Sussex

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We asked for your questions on Brighton to ask our BBC Radio Sussex reporter Johnny Cantor over the international break.

In part two of three he focuses on Kaoru Mitoma's form and Fabian Hurzeler's use of attackers when defending set-pieces.

Ray asked: Hi Johnny, would you agree that Kaoru Mitoma has not been the same since Pervis Estupinan left? It is my feeling that Pervis took pressure off Mitoma with his overlaps taking defenders with him. Nobody goes past Mitoma now leaving him often facing 2 defenders.

Johnny answered: Hi Ray, I think there's probably a few factors to consider with Mitoma's form. The standard he had already set was very high! He has of course been trying to recover fully from that ankle injury.

However, there can be no doubt Mitoma and Estupinan had a great understanding. Partnerships take time to develop but Pervis certainly provided an added challenge for defenders with both over and under-lapping runs which in turn gave Mitoma more space. Too often it feels like he has two defenders to beat.

Ferdi Kadioglu probably doesn't get forward as much and is a different kind of player but I would say in recent weeks he has been progressive and has come close to scoring himself on a few occasions. He's arguably the club's most consistent performer this season. Given time Albion will be hoping they can work in tandem as a major attacking force.

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Graham asked: When defending corners and some free-kicks, why doesn't Fabian put one or two attackers in advanced positions near the halfway line?

Johnny answered: Set-pieces have certainly been a major talking point in the Premier League this season. Liam Rosenior came under the spotlight when his Chelsea team suddenly took defenders out of the box against Arsenal to combat the inevitable onslaught from corners.

Does it work? The jury is still out. Danny Welbeck is a useful defender with his aerial power but I would say if Yankuba Minteh or Mitoma were hovering around the halfway line any opposing defender would be wary especially if Bart Verbruggen can produce good quick quality delivery up the pitch.

Keep across this page on Thursday for part three of Johnny's Q&A

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We asked for your questions on Brighton to ask our BBC Radio Sussex reporter Johnny Cantor over the international break.

In part one of three he focuses on transfer targets and the future of key central defender Jan Paul van Hecke.

Jason asked: Of the many alleged transfer targets who is the most likely to join?

Johnny answered: Yes Jason it seems the continuous stream of reports and rumours goes unabated. It is of course difficult to say for sure when it comes to transfers as things change so quickly but 19-year-old Koln winger Said El Mala is a name that seems to warrant interest as his name has been repeatedly mentioned.

He fits the age and profile of a Brighton signing. The difficulty for the Seagulls is that now they have a reputation for signing good prospects, other clubs are just waiting to pounce. Other teams have also now been linked to the German which is the challenge facing the Albion. The question being asked is 'if Brighton are interested, should we be too?'. One thing Brighton have done though is pursue targets over a long period of time and therefore the individual knows the interest is deep-rooted and is often more likely to be in the best interest for their future career.

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Gerard asked: Jan Paul van Hecke has been our best centre back in my opinion. It has been reported that he is not signing a new contract. Do you think there is hope that may yet change?

Johnny answered: Hi Gerard, I think most people would agree that Van Hecke has been superb this season. He has taken his game to a new level, especially in terms of distribution and consistency and he's been rewarded with well-deserved international caps.

However, with that comes interest from elsewhere and in particular big clubs with big budgets. I wouldn't say it's been reported 'he is not signing' rather 'he is yet to sign'. Anything is possible and if Brighton were to secure a place in Europe next season he may be tempted to sign a new deal but the attraction of European football is obvious to a player who wants to fulfil his potential. Whatever happens Albion will want top dollar for a player of his calibre and they usually get it.

Come back later today for part two and three of Johnny's Q&A

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With fifth position looking set to be a Champions League spot for a second consecutive season, the form of Chelsea and Liverpool has left the door open for another team to possibly pip them to that place.

Brentford, Everton, Fulham and Brighton might not have expected to be fighting for a place in Europe's top club cup competition at the beginning of the campaign, but with all four within six points of fifth place it could yet become a reality.

At the time of writing, supporters think the eight-placed Toffees are most likely to reach that spot, with the current poll standings looking like this:

• Brentford - 21%

• Everton - 60%

• Fulham - 7%

• Brighton - 12%

Add your choice here

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Former Brighton forward Warren Aspinall says Fabian Hurzeler is "very happy" at the club amid links with a move away in the summer.

Hurzeler has been linked with a return to Germany in the Bundesliga, with Bayer Leverkusen reportedly a possible destination, external.

"There's a lot of talk about Hurzeler but I think he's going nowhere," Aspinall told the Albion Unlimited podcast.

"He's in the best league in the world.

"Yes he's German, but what is he going to do with Bayer Leverkusen? All the spotlight is on the Premier League. If you're doing well there you get a chance to go to a big big club.

"Leverkusen would be a sideways step. He's getting his way of football at Brighton. He's had 18 months and he's doing OK I think.

"He wants to stay, it's just paper talk. Nobody wanted him when we were on that poor run and there were calls for him to leave Brighton. Now we've won a few suddenly the papers talk about him leaving again.

"He did a Q&A the other day in London with Paul Barber. I think he's very happy at Brighton and the only way he can get into Europe right now is being successful in these last seven games."

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