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EPL

Jablonec seek to upset Brighton in Conference League opener despite recent defeats

By WAF News Desk 2 min read
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Jablonec seek to upset Brighton in Conference League opener despite recent defeats

Brighton travel to Czech side Jablonec for their first away match in the Conference League proper. The Argus Albion reports that Jablonec currently sit seventh in the Czech league with 17 points from 11 games, and will host Brighton at a sold-out Strelnica stadium. The hosts eliminated Rangers in the play-off round to reach this stage.

Jablonec have endured a difficult run recently, losing their last two matches. They conceded three goals in each loss: a 3-2 defeat to Freiburg in Thursday's European tie where they trailed 1-1 at half-time, and a 3-2 home loss to Viktoria Plzen on Sunday. Despite pulling back from 3-0 down against Plzen, they ran out of time to complete a comeback. According to reporting from Jablonecky Dennik, striker Lamin Jawo broke his hand before the Freiburg game and will miss the Brighton fixture.

Head coach Lubos Kozel's approach centres on defensive organisation, with the side typically deploying a compact shape. Right-back Martin Cedidla drops into a back five when defending, moving into a third centre-back position. Jablonec have proven strong at home in European competition this season, remaining unbeaten in three previous matches at Strelnica against Varazdin, RFS Riga and Rangers, without conceding.

The club have publicly stated that seven points should suffice to reach the knockout stage, and are not counting on taking points from Brighton. This removes pressure on the home side, allowing them to play without expectation. However, they are less comfortable when required to take the initiative in matches, though that dynamic may shift against an away opponent.

Reporting from The Argus Albion (Brighton)

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