Two clubs chasing promotion to the Barclay's Premier League will do battle today in a playoff match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Derby County. The second-division clash scheduled for 2:45 p.m. ET will be held at Falmer Stadium and can be live streamed here free.
Both clubs enter the first leg of this semifinal tie in hopes of reaching the promotion final at Wembley Stadium. Derby County manager Steve McClaren, however, isn't feeling the pressures the playoffs bring. According to the Englishman, those pressures should be heaped on the likes of Queens Park Rangers and Wigan Athletic (h/t to the Daily Star). "You do need a bit of luck, but we've bought our lottery ticket to win something big. Can we do it? This is a big test for all of us," McClaren said.
"The fact that we finished third means I can't say we are underdogs, but out of all the four teams, I'd say there's no pressure on us or Brighton," he added.
"It's all on Wigan and QPR. They are the ones who 'must.' We're in a position that six months ago we never thought we'd be in."
"I think there's pressure on QPR and there's pressure on Wigan. I don't think there's any on us."
With no pressure heaped on by their manager, will Derby County be able to play a free-flowing brand of football this afternoon? Tell us @SportsWN
Tactical Preview
Player to Watch: Brighton & Hove Albion's Jesse Lingard has had a successful spell since joining the club from Birmingham. The 21-year-old is projected to start as a forward on the right side of the club's 4-3-3 formation. In six appearances bearing that responsibility this season, Lingard has one goal and three assists.
Brighton's Projected Lineup (4-3-3): Kuszczak; Ward, Upson, Greer, Calderon; Orlandi, Andrews, Caskey; Buckley, Ulloa, Lingard
Derby County's Projected Lineup (4-3-3): Grant; Forsyth, Buxton, Keogh, Wisdom; Bryson, Thorne, Hendrick; Russell, Martin, Bamford
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