Brighton and Hove Albion vs Swansea City. Premier League.
Amex StadiumAttendance30,523.
Saturday 24 February 2018 13:51, UK
Alfie Mawson is fit for Swansea's trip to Brighton after recovering from a knee problem as the two sides meet in the Premier League on Saturday.
The defender was forced out of the FA Cup goalless draw at Sheffield Wednesday last weekend when his knee "locked" just before kick-off, but has recovered in time to feature this weekend.
He came in for high praise from manager Carlos Carvalhal too, who said: "He is progressing a lot in many different areas, they are not all on the pitch. He is a better and better player and is progressing. One of the best central defenders in the Premier League, I'm absolutely sure."
Although both sides are facing a relegation battle, they are currently on unbeaten runs with Swansea not losing in their last 10 matches in all competitions, while Brighton are unbeaten in their last five, including a 3-1 win against Coventry in the FA Cup last weekend.
But manager Chris Hughton says the Premier League remains his biggest focus, saying: "For me, it's quite obvious [the priority], it's about making sure this club is a Premier League club next season.
"That's the only way in the initial years [after promotion] you give yourself and the club a chance to develop at the highest level over these years.
"The FA Cup is a wonderful trophy and we're absolutely delighted to be in it, but the biggest priority for us is the Premier League."
Elsewhere for Swansea, Lukasz Fabianski and Federico Fernandez will also return after being rested at Hillsborough, but Leon Britton (pelvis) and Renato Sanches (hamstring) remain out.
Brighton have no fresh selection concerns. Tim Krul has recovered from the whiplash suffered against Coventry, while record signing Jurgen Locadia could make his league debut after scoring against the Sky Blues.
Jiri Skalak and Steve Sidwell (both ankle) remain the only players unavailable.
Brighton have failed to score in four of their last five meetings with Swansea in all competitions, netting once in a 1-0 win at Liberty Stadium this season, courtesy of a goal from Glenn Murray.
Brighton are one of seven teams that Swansea have lost to all in all four tiers of English league football, along with Burnley, Cardiff City, Fulham, Hull City, Luton Town and Watford.
Brighton have alternated between not winning and winning in each of their last seven home matches against the Swans (W3 D1 L3), losing last time out in May 2008.
Swansea haven't drawn three consecutive away league matches since October 2009.
Chris Hughton has lost only one of his seven previous managerial clashes against Swansea City (W3 D3 L1), with each win coming with a different team (Newcastle, Norwich and Brighton).
Swansea City have won 14 points since Carlos Carvalhal took charge (W4 D2 L1), one more than they recorded in their first 20 games before his arrival (W3 D4 L13).
Jose Izquierdo has scored in his last two Premier League appearances - he could become the third Colombian to score in three consecutively after Hamilton Ricard and Juan Pablo Angel.
Only four Englishmen have scored more Premier League goals this season than Glenn Murray (8) - Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, Jamie Vardy and Wayne Rooney.
What a game this is! City may have the league wrapped up but there's so much to play for, with everyone in the bottom half fighting against relegation.
Swansea have pulled up trees under Carlos Carvalhal but Brighton have been decent at home, even when Chelsea put four past them. This is a massive football match and think home advantage will favour Brighton.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0 (7/1 with Sky Bet)
