After beating Manchester United a few weeks ago, Chris Hughton’s Brighton have suffered to back to back losses and were also knocked out of the League Cup in the second round earlier this week. The Seagulls, however, they have a chance to return to winning ways when they welcome Slavisa Jokanovic’s Fulham, who registered their first points this season with a win over Burnley last weekend.
The Cottagers beat Exeter City in the League Cup tie on Tuesday and will believe that they can take more than just a point from this game. But playing at the Falmer Stadium, Brighton are expected to put up a fight and should look to win all three points. Here is the predicted lineup Hughton might field for this tie:
Brighton Team News
Lewis Dunk, Jose Izquierdo, Bruno Saltor and Florin Andone have been ruled out of the game and remain the only absentees for the Seagulls ahead of this weekend.
Expected lineup (4-4-1-1)
Defence
Matt Ryan has 3.3 saves per game this season and was rested for the midweek cup clash. He should be back in the side, starting under the bar this weekend. Martin Montoya has three tackles and two interceptions per game this season and should keep his place at right-back while Gaetan Bong who had a tough time against Liverpool was not in the squad for the cup game but should start at left-back this weekend.
With Lewis Dunk ruled out, Leon Balogun and Shane Duffy should start as the preferred centre-back partnership in this game. The duo have 6.3 aerial duels per game this season but will have to be at their best to keep Aleksandar Mitrovic, who is in great form early this season, quite in this game.
Midfield
With 3.7 tackles and two interceptions per game, Dale Stephens has been solid in the middle of the park for Brighton and his partner, Davy Propper has similar figures, with three tackles and three interceptions per game already this season. They will not be easy to unlock for Jokanovic’s side in this tie.
Solly March has just an assist to his name this season but he could be dangerous if Fulham afford him time on the ball this weekend. He will start on the left flank with Anthony Knockaert, who also has an assist this season, should add some width to the midfield on the right flank.
Attack
Pascal Groß, who has a goal and a key pass per game this season should start in the no.10 role while Glen Murray, who only came off the bench against Liverpool, deserves to lead the attack for Brighton this weekend against Fulham.
Here is how they might line up:
Stat Credit: Whoscored.com
