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Midfielder looks set to return as Albion take on Liverpool

And the biggest news might NOT be the return of Kaoru Mitoma.

The Japan winger is in contention for playing time after an ankle injury as the Seagulls visit champions Liverpool.

It is not clear whether he will start the game but a more likely option might be that he makes an impact off the bench.

Head coach Fabian Hurzeler appears to like the link-up down the left between Ferdi Kadioglu and Max De Cuyper.

They were certainly productive in the most recent away game, when De Cuyper put over some tempting crosses and also scored the opener in a 2-0 success at Nottingham Forest.

The more likely starter among the returning players is Yasin Ayari, who has been a midfield mainstay for Hurzeler ever since he took charge going into last season.

Ayari’s swift movement of the ball and willingness to work back are often under-played but he has certainly done exactly what his head coach requires.

If anything, the Sweden international’s stock among fans rose in his absence as Albion picked up just one point from home games with Aston Villa and West Ham.

A start for Ayari looks the most obvious change to the XI – and Hurzeler might opt for the energy of Diego Gomez over Carlos Baleba alongside him.

Tommy Watson and James Milner are also back from injury but it appears they will be joining what looks decent competition even to be on the bench.

Possible Albion XI: Verbruggen; Wieffer, van Hecke, Dunk, Kadioglu; Ayari, Gomez; Minteh, Rutter, De Cuyper; Welbeck.

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