The Premier League weekend starts on Friday when Brighton take on Southampton at the Amex Stadium.
Brighton vs Southampton predicted lineups
Brighton (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Veltman, Van Hecke, Julio, Estupinan; O’Riley, Ayari; Rutter, Joao Pedro, Mitoma; Welbeck
Southampton (4-3-3): McCarthy; Walker-Peters, Harwood-Bellis, Stephens, Manning; Aribo, Downes, Fernandes; Dibling, Armstrong, Archer
This south-coast clash is important for both sides for different reasons and there will be an expectant crowd at Brighton following the Seagulls’ excellent start to the campaign.
The Seagulls underwent a big change over the summer when Fabian Hurzeler took the reins from Roberto De Zerbi, but the German has had a great effect and his team can go second in the Premier League table if they can gain three points.
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Leaders Liverpool and improving Chelsea are the only teams to have beaten Brighton in the top flight this season and the hosts should be confident of seeing off the Saints, who have yet to gain a point on their travels this term.
Russell Martin’s side have found life difficult in tier one after winning the Championship playoff final last season and have just a 1-0 home victory over Everton to show for their efforts.
Having scored twice in defeat to Liverpool last Sunday, they can ensure Brighton don’t have everything their own way. But the Saints’ record on their travels does not inspire confidence.
This match will kick off at 8pm and is scheduled to be televised live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event.
Brighton vs Southampton team news
Brighton will be forced to make changes in midfield as Carlos Baleba is suspended for one match following his two yellow cards in the 2-1 victory over Bournemouth last week.
Hopes are high that Tariq Lamptey and Lewis Dunk could be available after the two defenders have fought their way back to fitness after calf injuries.
Late decisions will be taken on the fitness of Ferdi Kadioglu and Jack Hinshelwood, but James Milner and Solly March are still sidelined for the Seagulls.
Southampton look set to go back into action with third-choice goalkeeper Alex McCarthy for the second successive game as both Aaron Ramsdale and Gavin Bazunu remain unavailable for Russell Martin’s side.
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It will be McCarthy’s fourth appearance of the season following his outing in the 3-2 defeat at Liverpool. Southampton are confident that Paul Onuachu’s injury that saw him substituted against Arne Slot’s side will not prove serious.
That could prove to be the only good news on the injury front as Adam Lallana looks set to miss out against his former club and Will Smallbone, Ross Stewart and Jan Bednarek are also expected to be sidelined.