‘Going nuts’ – Mark Lawrenson makes Brighton and Brentford prediction amid Evan Ferguson claim

Brighton hero Mark Lawrenson has backed his old team to beat Brentford this weekend.

The Albion host the Bees in a battle between seventh and eighth at the Amex on Saturday. Both teams are level on points but the Seagulls have a superior goal difference and have two games in hand.

This match is being billed as a six-pointer between these two unlikely European hopefuls, particularly as they have the cheapest assembled squads and the lowest wage bills in the Premier League.

Now, ahead of this 3 pm clash, former Liverpool defender Lawrenson believes Roberto De Zerbi’s side will come away with the three points this time out, after losing the reverse fixture 2-0 at the Gtech Community Stadium.

The ex-Republic of Ireland international has predicted a 2-0 win for the Sussex side but he has also told everyone to calm down a little over Brighton striker Evan Ferguson. The 18-year-old scored for his country earlier this month and has become the Albion’s first-choice forward, but Lawrenson stressed the importance of not overhyping the young Irishman.

He said: “Brighton is flying at the moment and Evan Ferguson scored for Ireland during the break. Everyone’s going nuts about him in Ireland but I’d just say, ‘Hold on a minute, he’s only 18! Give him a chance!’

“Brentford drew with Leicester last time and Brighton beat Crystal Palace in their last league game. I fancy Brighton. The game’s easy for them at the moment. They’ve got the semi-finals of the FA Cup to come, they make changes and they work, and they’ve got a strong squad. It’s all positive.”