Brighton & Hove Albion will be aiming to get their first-ever win in the Europa League on Thursday evening when they welcome Ajax at the Amex Stadium.
Since securing impressive back-to-back Premier League wins over Newcastle United and Manchester United in September, the Seagulls have suffered a dip in form as they have only won one of their last seven matches across all competitions. They dropped to seventh in the Premier League table last weekend following a 2-1 defeat away to treble-winners Manchester City.
Having shared the spoils in the 2-2 draw with Marseille away in their last Europa League group-stage game, Roberto de Zerbi will expect his boys to produce a solid performance against a managerless Ajax and get their European campaign up and running.
Brighton Team News
Brighton were dealt a double injury blow in the defeat to Man City as Danny Welbeck was forced off in the first half with a muscle problem, while Solly March was stretchered off in tears after suffering a knee problem in the closing stages. While Welbeck is considered a major doubt, De Zerbi has already confirmed that March could be out for a long time.
Meanwhile, Julio Enciso (knee), Pervis Estupinan (muscle) and Tariq Lamptey (knock) all remain sidelined. Jakub Moder has returned to training after an 18-month layoff with a serious knee problem but the game against Ajax will likely come too soon for the midfielder.
Predicted Brighton lineup vs Ajax (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
De Zerbi is yet to have decided on a No.1 this season, having constantly rotated Jason Steele and Bart Verbruggen. With Steele starting in Brighton’s league defeat to Man City last weekend, there is a chance of Verbruggen finding himself between the sticks against Ajax.
Defence
Brighton are struggling for options at left-back, with Solly March joining Tariq Lamptey and Pervis Estupinan on the sidelines. As a result, we could see Joel Veltman operate at left-back in midweek with James Milner tasked with operating on the right side of a back four in the Brighton lineup.
Lewis Dunk should lead his troops from the back as usual. He could partner Igor Julio at the heart of Brighton’s defence, with Adam Webster on the bench.
Midfield
Billy Gilmour will sit at the base of the midfield, trying to set the tempo of the game with his energy and distributing skills. He will form the double pivot with Pascal Gross, who has been one of the Seagulls’ best players this season.
Ansu Fati, who scored his first goal in Brighton colours in the 2-1 defeat to Man City at the Etihad Stadium, should be tasked with the responsibility of linking play from the No.10 role. With his movement and incisive passing, the Spanish youngster could create problems for the Ajax backline.
Attack
With Danny Welbeck a major doubt with a muscle problem, Evan Ferguson should lead the Brighton attack against the Dutch giants. The young Irishman will be hoping to get proper service from wide attackers Simon Adingra and Kaoru Mitoma, as Brighton look to beat Ajax and get their first-ever win in the Europa League.