Brighton vs Sheffield Wednesday Betting Tips & Predictions

Sheffield Wednesday made a very good start to their Championship playoff campaign on Friday when they made use of their home advantage in the first leg against Brighton. The dominance they exerted paid off as well as Ross Wallace and Kieran Lee netted for the hosts to give them a two goal cushion going into the away match at Brighton.

If Brighton go out of these playoffs they will only have themselves to blame. They were on the cusp of automatic promotion to the Premier League; all they had to do was get a win against Middlesbrough in the final game of the season. They couldn’t manage it though and were resigned to the playoff position of 3rd on goal difference.

The defeat on Friday made it three games without a win for Brighton, but it was their first defeat in 14 games, so they are definitely still a side to be feared. At home they haven’t lost since New Years Day, with seven of their ten outings since then resulting in a win. They need a comprehensive win on Monday though. They also suffered four injuries to Tomer Hemed, Connor Goldson, Anthony Knockaert and Steve Sidwell, all remain doubtful for Monday’s return leg.

Sheffield Wednesday finished the season in 6th position in the Championship, four points adrift of 5th but a comfortable five ahead of Ipswich below them. With Hull 3-0 up from the first leg of their playoff tie, it looks like they will be facing them at Wembley if they can hold on to their advantage.

The visitors have only won two of their last seven outings in the Championship, but crucially they have only lost two of their last 12 games. Both of these came away from home though, including a 4-1 defeat to Bristol City.

Four of Brighton’s last nine home matches have seen them bag a scoreline that would see them overturn the deficit on Monday, but those were all against teams of a much lower standing than Sheffield Wednesday. The visitors have only conceded 28 goals in their 23 away games this season too, so they definitely know what it means to defend on the road.

With the stakes so high I can see Brighton pushing for the victory from the first whistle, and despite their overall defensive record on the road Sheffield Wednesday have still conceded seven goals in their last three away games. They will sit back and try to defend their lead, but I can see Brighton making a breakthrough and getting a win. Odds of 4/6 for a Brighton Draw No Bet look excellent value and the better option considering Sheffield Wednesday’s good record against the hosts.

I don’t think their win will be enough though, which is why I’m backing a 1-0 correct score prediction at 6/1.