Bidding to return to winning ways in the Premier League, Brighton & Hove Albion entertain Tottenham Hotspur at the Amex Stadium on Thursday evening.
The Seagulls snatched a point away from Crystal Palace last week thanks to a late Danny Welbeck equaliser. The result at Selhurst Park meant Roberto de Zerbi’s side have now managed just one win from their last five Premier League games.
Due to injuries and suspensions, the south coast side’s form has tailed off over the last month. They must now prepare for an uphill challenge against Tottenham, who are fourth in the table and on a three-game winning run.
Brighton Team News
Kaoru Mitoma was forced off with an injury seven minutes from time against Crystal Palace, and the Japanese winger’s availability for the visit of Tottenham remains in doubt.
Meanwhile, Brighton are currently without key players Pervis Estupinan, Tariq Lamptey, Joel Veltman, Ansu Fati, Tariq Lamptey, Solly March, Julio Enciso and Adam Webster, leaving De Zerbi with limited resources to negotiate the tricky festive period in the Premier League.
Predicted Brighton lineup vs Tottenham (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
De Zerbi will almost certainly keep his side’s favoured 4-2-3-1 shape, with Bart Verbruggen starting in goal again. The Dutchman could face a testing night against an in-form Tottenham attack.
Defence
With Tariq Lamptey, Pervis Estupinan and Joel Veltman all currently sidelined, the Brighton boss must pick his full-backs very carefully. James Milner could get the nod to fill in at left-back, while teenager Jack Hinshelwood keeps his place at right-back intact.
Lewis Dunk and Jan Paul van Hecke will be tasked with marshalling the Seagulls’ rearguard from central defence. The duo have to be disciplined and switched on throughout the game to help the home side keep a clean sheet against a potent Tottenham attack.
Midfield
In midfield, Pascal Gross and Billy Gilmour should act as a shield for the Brighton defence. They will be aiming to recycle possession, control the flow of the game and initiate attacks from the middle of the park.
Adam Lallana could get the nod to start ahead of Gross and Gilmour. The ex-England international is a creative player and possesses the knack of arriving late in the box to finish off moves.
Attack
With Kaoru Mitoma doubtful, De Zerbi could go with Simon Adingra and Facundo Buonanotte in wide areas. With their pace, trickery and creativity, Adingra and Buonanotte could cause major problems for Tottenham’s defence.
Having been an unused substitute against Palace, Evan Ferguson could spearhead the Brighton attack on Thursday. Danny Welbeck, who scored the equaliser in the last game, could come off the bench in the second half along with Joao Pedro.