Match preview: Brighton vs Barnsley

Vicente looks almost certain to miss tomorrow’s Championship clash between the Albion and Barnsley.

The Spaniard was introduced as a late substitute during the 0v0 draw with Cardiff City having already sat out the away defeat to Hull City. And, according to Gus Poyet, his chances of being in the squad come 3pm tomorrow are slim.

For a Brighton team which has failed to score in their last four competitive outings – including a 0v0 draw with Barnsley on the last game of last season – the absence of the squad’s stand-out playmaker represents a big blow.

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Fans are now questioning the sense in playing Vicente at Swindon in the Capital One Cup first round defeat after the Seagulls revealed he has been suffering slight problems in the run-up to that match.

More positive though is the likely return of William Buckley after the wide man missed three games with a hamstring problem. He is expected to return to the starting line-up for tomorrow’s Amex fixture.

Brighton have no fresh injury concerns as Poyet looks to his charges to register their first goals and win of the season.

Barnsley will be without former Albion left back Jim McNulty after the Tykes’ player of the year pulled up in training before the side’s opening Championship fixture.

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And McNulty is by no means their only worry, with as many as 10 first teamers at risk.

One person who will play a part barring any last minute mishaps is Craig Davies. The striker was cruelly dubbed Barney by fans who joked he couldn’t hit a barn door during his short spell at the at the Albion.

Last season though he scored more goals for Barnsley than Craig Mackail-Smith managed for Brighton and has started the new season in encouraging form.