Brighton will kick off their first-ever European campaign on Thursday evening when they entertain AEK Athens at the Amex Stadium in their opening Europa League group-stage match.
The Seagulls find themselves in the Europa League group stage for the first time in their history thanks to a historic season in the Premier League last time around that saw them finish sixth in the standings.
The South Coast side have picked up where they left off in the new league campaign, with Roberto de Zerbi’s side currently sitting third in the table following a remarkable 3-1 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday. The result against Man United should hugely boost their confidence as De Zerbi aims for a winning start to the Europa League campaign.
Brighton Team News
Pervis Estpuninan and Solly March missed out on Brighton’s 3-1 win against Man United with respective issues. Estupinan missed out due to fatigue following a hectic international break, while March was not risked following a minor muscle problem. However, both of them should be fit to face AEK Athens.
Meanwhile, Julio Enciso and Jakub Moder remain long-term absentees for Brighton.
Predicted Brighton lineup vs AEK Athens (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
De Zerbi is yet to pick his No.1 this season, having rotated between Bart Verbruggen and Jason Steele so far. Steele started in goal against Man United, so there is a chance De Zerbi picks Verbruggen for Brighton’s maiden Europa League fixture.
Defence
De Zerbi is expected to name a strong Brighton starting XI with some rotations from the win over Man United. In central defence, Jan Paul van Hecke and Lewis Dunk could make way for Adam Webster and Igor Julio. Summer signing from Fiorentina, Igor Julio will be raring to make an impression if handed his debut in midweek.
Pervis Estupinan is expected to be fit to face AEK Athens after missing out against Man United. He will slot in at left-back at the expense of Tariq Lamptey, while Joel Veltman keeps his place at right-back.
Midfield
Up ahead in midfield, Pascal Gross, who scored at Old Trafford last weekend, should retain his spot in De Zerbi’s starting XI. The German could partner Billy Gilmour in the double pivot, with Mahmoud Dahoud dropping to the bench.
Gross and Gilmour will add control and creativity to the side, as Brighton hopes to dominate the Greek side in the middle of the park.
Attack
Evan Ferguson should be back from the onset to lead the Brighton attack, after his substitute appearance at Old Trafford on Saturday, having already netted four Premier League goals so far this term. Summer signing Joao Pedro also came off the bench and scored his second of the season, and the Brazilian should start in support of Ferguson with Adam Lallana dropping out of the XI.
Simon Adingra impressed against Man United, causing problems to the hosts’ backline with his movement and pace. He should keep his place on the right flank, while loanee Ansu Fati, who caught the eye with his cameo on Saturday, gets the nod to start on the left wing.