Prior to the international break, Brighton & Hove Albion secured a hard-earned 2-2 draw against Fulham at the AMEX Stadium. The team have performed well against the bigger sides but need more points to show that they are progressing than the four points suggest.
Chris Hughton’s side will face Southampton in their next Premier League fixture. The Saints defeated them in the League Cup last month and the Seagulls want to show their true colours tonight.
A late call is expected to be made on whether or not to start with Florin Andone and Jose Izquierdo. Meanwhile, Bruno is also fit and can start.
PREDICTED BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION LINE-UP TO FACE SOUTHAMPTON (4-4-1-1)
Defence
Matthew Ryan is expected to be stationed between the sticks once again. The 26-year-old shot-stopper hasn’t had the best of starts this season and will be aiming to get a clean sheet to his name. Shane Duffy and Lewis Dunk are likely to operate as the central defenders.
Duffy and Dunk have managed an excellent understanding together and it will be intriguing to see how they fare against Mark Hughes’ side. Austin and Ings are doing well, so the centre-halves will have to be at the top of their game. While Martin Montoya is set to operate as the right-back once again, Gaetan Bong is likely to keep his place at the left-back.
Midfield
A four-man midfield unit is set to be rolled out by Hughes, comprising of Davy Propper and Dale Stephens. Propper has been solid defensively so far this season as in 4 league appearances, he has mustered 2.5 tackles, 2.5 interceptions and 1 clearance per game on an average.
Solly March is likely to get the green light from Hughton to start from the left side of the midfield, with Anthony Knockaert expected to start from the other side. Knockaert has managed 1.8 dribbles per game and his ability to take on a defender and beat him with his pace and trickery is something the team will rely on today as Southampton play very pragmatic football.
Attack
Pascal Gross should be the one getting the nod to start as the central attacking midfielder. He needs to ensure that quality deliveries are fed regularly to the striker. Gross has one key pas per game and the away fans will be hoping he can improve that number today. Glenn Murphy, who has scored 3 goals in 4 league outings, is expected to lead the line for Brighton.
Statistics Credits: Whoscored
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