Can Brighton challenge for the Premier League title?

Brighton and Hove Albion, in their 10th Premier League season, look set to move beyond staying out of the relegation zone and into the group of teams aiming for European qualification. The side has the league's best attack and the third best defence. With a goal difference of plus 16, they sit third in the table. If they beat Manchester City on Wednesday, they could close to within two points of the leaders.

Fabian Hurzeler's high-pressing approach has played a major part in the club's rise. Brighton are among the teams that give opponents the least time on the ball. Pascal Gross, at 35, is one of the season's most influential players in pressing and assist creation. Maxim De Cuyper's contribution from left-back and the understanding between Kostoulas and Diego Gomez also add real value to the squad.

On the other hand, important players such as Danny Welbeck and Jan Paul van Hecke left the club after last season. Kaoru Mitoma and Yankuba Minteh have not yet been able to play this season because of injuries. The team's goal tally is running above its expected goals. A sample of just eight matches, and two games in which the opponent was short of players, means the data should be read cautiously.

It is too early to say whether Brighton can make sustainable progress. Still, the results from the first half of the season suggest the team could be in the European race.