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Southampton: Brighton’s Chris Hughton aware of Ings’ threat

By Chris Hughes

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 28: Chris Hughton, Manager of Brighton and Hove Albion looks on prior to the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Southampton at American Express Community Stadium on August 28, 2018 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 28: Chris Hughton, Manager of Brighton and Hove Albion looks on prior to the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Southampton at American Express Community Stadium on August 28, 2018 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images) /
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Speaking ahead of this Monday’s south coast clash between Brighton and Southampton, the former’s manager has made it clear that he is wary of Danny Ings’ ability.

The English forward has started life well on the south coast, with two goals in three starts including one as recently as against Crystal Palace when the Saints last played in the Premier League.

Southampton supporters were divided when the club looked to bring in Ings on a season-long loan, but his desire, energy and most importantly his scoring ability have seen him swiftly become a fan favourite at St. Mary’s.

As a result, Seagulls boss Chris Hughton has made it clear his side are aware of the threat that the 26-year-old possesses, as the two sides face on Monday Night Football in two days time.

"“What Danny brings is what we always knew that he can bring. What’s happened to him over the last couple of seasons is he’s picked up a couple of big injuries but there’s never been any doubt about the ability he’s got, hence the reason why he went to Liverpool and hence the reason why Liverpool think so highly of him.”"

dark. Next. Gabbiadini may have to take his chance against Brighton

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 01: Danny Ings of Southampton celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Southampton FC at Selhurst Park on September 1, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 01: Danny Ings of Southampton celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Southampton FC at Selhurst Park on September 1, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images) /

The Seagulls haven’t won since their impressive victory over Manchester United nearly a month ago, having lost to the Saints in the Carabao Cup before drawing to Fulham 2-2 just before the international break.

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Southampton meanwhile secured their first Premier League victory of the season in their last game, as they beat Crystal Palace with Ings scoring a smart tap-in as mentioned earlier.

However Chris Hughton’s side will always pose a threat, with some brilliantly pacey players out wide and the creative Pascal Gross supporting Glenn Murray up top. The latter was on target when the two teams met last season and is already off the mark for this campaign, meaning the Saints are not guaranteed all three points by a long shot.

Nonetheless with Ings expected to be fit his ability to get in behind could cause problems for a Brighton back-line which doesn’t possess a great amount of pace – especially as with Charlie Austin and Shane Long doubtful we could see Gabbiadini return to the starting XI on Monday.

If Hughton’s side are fixated on stopping the threat of the speedy Ings then the Italian – who thrives on dropping deep and exploiting space made by his teammates – could have a really profitable evening on the south coast.

Only time will tell however, and kick-off at St. Mary’s Stadium this Monday night is 8:00 PM.

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