I visited Brighton’s training ground this week, a very impressive affair that shows how far this club has come over recent times.
For a team that didn’t have a home for twelve years, it was quite something to see the top-class facilities now available to Chris Hughton and his players.
They’re also a reminder of the club’s Premier League standing, which can’t be taken for granted with seven games left.
Five points above the drop zone with a game in hand over Cardiff, they should be ok when all’s said and done.
But the situation does make you wonder about Hughton’s thinking. Of course, they have a slim chance of beating this majestic City side to reach the final.
But the last thing Hughton wants is to do a Wigan Athletic by lifting the cup and getting relegated.
As sad as it sounds, maybe that’s why Brighton’s next two league games rank as more important than this semi-final.
However unlikely, beating City would be great, but beating Bournemouth and Cardiff would guarantee another season in the sun.
