Brighton return to Premier League action on Boxing Day when they travel to St. Mary’s Stadium to face south coast rivals Southampton.
The Seagulls have had a mixed start under new manager Roberto de Zerbi, who replaced Graham Potter at the club in September. De Zerbi and co. will aim to make it three league wins from their last four games, having beaten Chelsea and Wolves in consecutive outings before tasting defeat against Aston Villa in the final game before the World Cup break.
Having been dumped out of the EFL Cup by Charlton Athletic on penalties earlier this week, De Zerbi will expect a rousing response from his boys at Southampton, who are 19th in the table and have lost each of their last three league games.
Brighton Team News
Roberto de Zerbi has confirmed in his pre-match presser that Brighton will be without the services of Danny Welbeck and Adam Webster for the trip to Southampton.
Alexis Mac Allister will also not be available for selection, having played a starring role in Qatar as the midfielder helped Argentina lift the World Cup, assisting Angel di Maria’s goal in the final against France last weekend.
Predicted Brighton Lineup vs Southampton (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Robert Sanchez was not used in the EFL Cup defeat to Charlton Athletic in midweek, with his understudy Jason Steele starting instead, but the Spanish international is expected to be back between the sticks against Southampton.
Defence
Lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, Lewis Dunk is likely to be paired with Levi Colwill at the heart of the Brighton defence. Dunk and Colwill face a tough job of nullifying Che Adams’ threat, with the Southampton striker heading into the game off the back of a brace against Lincoln City in the EFL Cup.
After starting at left-back against Charlton in midweek, Pascal Gros could be again deployed in an unusual full-back role. He could start at right-back, with Pervis Estupinan hoping to impress from the left-back position.
Midfield
Moises Caicedo has been a mainstay in midfield for Brighton this season, excelling with his positional awareness, tackling and passing skills. The Ecuadorian is a certainty to start again. Joining Caicedo in the engine room could be Adam Lallana, whose passing and vision from a deeper role could help Brighton build up play better.
Brighton’s standout player this season, Leandro Trossard is a gifted technician on the ball capable of linking play and breaching tight defences. The twinkle-toed Belgian should start in the hole behind the striker.
Attack
Kaoru Mitoma shone at the World Cup with Japan and will look to bring his form back to Brighton. He could be handed a start on the left flank, with Solly March trying to stretch the Southampton backline from the right.
With Danny Welbeck injured, De Zerbi could stick with Deniz Undav up top. The German failed to make much of an impact against Charlton in the EFL Cup but will be raring to get on the scoresheet at Southampton.