Brighton’s starting XI vs Brentford predicted as £50m duo drop out
Fabian Hurzeler had an extra day to finalise his Brighton XI for tomorrow’s visit of Brentford. There were eight Boxing Day fixtures in the English top flight yesterday, with Brighton vs Brentford one of two Premier League fixtures today, December 27.
The Seagulls, who were 10th in the table at the start of Boxing Day, will be determined to return to winning ways after their 1-1 draw at West Ham on December 21. Brighton do have injury concerns to £25m midfielder Mats Wieffer who hobbled off in the second half at the London Stadium, just minutes after scoring his first goal for Brighton following his summer move from Feyenoord. Jan Paul van Hecke will also be assessed after he sustained a head injury in the first half of the draw at West Ham. Hurzeler must also decide if Brajan Gruda will keep his place in the starting XI after the German made his full Premier League debut at the Hammers.
Here’s how Brighton could line up to face Brentford…
Bart Verbruggen – GK: The Netherlands international is Fabian Hurzeler’s established No 1 and will be between the sticks against Brentford.
Joel Veltman – RB: The experienced defender is back to fitness and will likely start ahead of Tariq Lamptey.
Jan Paul van Hecke – CB: The centre-back sustained a head injury against West Ham but is expected to feature against Brentford.
Lewis Dunk – CB: The Brighton skipper looked more assured against the Hammers after a tough outing against Palace.
Pervis Estupinan – LB: The Ecuadorian has cemented the left back spot – especially as Ferdi Kadioglu continues to struggle with a toe injury.
Carlos Baleba – CM: The Cameroon international has been the pick of Brighton’s midfielders so far this term.
Matt O’Riley – CM: The £25m summer signing from Celtic is expected to replace Wieffer, who is struggling with injury.
Yankuba Minteh – RW: The Gambian was dropped from the starting XI last week in favour of Gruda but Minteh could return to face the Bees
Georginio Rutter – No 10: The £40m summer signing from Leeds is expected to operate just behind the front man in the No 10 role. He hasn’t scored since the 3-2 win against Tottenham on October 6.
Joao Pedro – CF: The Brazilian is expected to lead the line despite not scoring in his last five.
Kaoru Mitoma – LW: The Japan international remains one of the best wingers in the Premier League. Lethal on his day.
