The opening game week of the 25/26 Premier League campaign sees Fabian Hürzeler's Brighton take on Fulham at the Amex Stadium.
Both teams experienced largely positive seasons last year, both improving their positions from the season prior, as Fulham finished in 11th whilst the Seagulls narrowly missed out on European football, ending the season in 8th place.
The last time these two teams met at the Amex, it was the home side who prevailed 2-1 as Joao Pedro scored a 98th-minute penalty to secure all three points. Fulham did claim a victory themselves in this fixture last season, winning 3-1 thanks to a brace from Alex Iwobi.
Brighton does not have the best record against The Cottagers, with their win against them last season being their only three points against them for the last five seasons, where they have been in the same league as each other.
Hürzeler will be hoping that this record does not haunt them yet again as he looks to get off to a positive start in the new Premier League campaign.
Team News:
For Brighton, this match comes too early for the trio of Adam Webster, Julio Enciso and Solly March, who are all suffering from knee injuries. Meanwhile, both Jack Hinshelwood and Carlos Baleba will likely be assessed ahead of the match to determine whether they are fit enough to play.
New signing Maxim De Cuyper looks set to be handed his Premier League debut by Hürzeler, whilst Matts Wieffer will most likely be selected to operate on the right side of the defence over Tariq Lamptey.
The frontline is expected to be made up of familiar faces for Brighton fans, with Matt O'Riley possibly sitting behind the front three of Kaoru Mitoma, Georgino Rutter and Yankuba Minteh. Fans will also be hoping to see new signing Charalampos Kostoulas later in the match.
Antonee Robinson is the biggest miss for Fulham as the American missed the entirety of pre-season following surgery on his knee; his return, however, does not seem too far away. Ryan Sessegnon looks set to come into the team in his place.
Despite a lot of transfer interest shown from the Italian side, Atalanta, Rodrigo Muniz is still likely part of the matchday squad for the Brighton match, but is not expected to start. Raul Jiminez is an option for Marco Silva centrally.
Harry Wilson and Alex Iwobi look likely to occupy the wide areas of attack, with Emile Smith Rowe potentially playing behind the striker in the number ten role. Silva's other option to play behind the striker is youngster Joshua King. The 18-year-old impressed in pre-season and will certainly be pushing for starts.
Predicted Lineups:
Brighton:
Verbruggen; Wieffer, Van Hecke, Dunk, De Cuyper; Ayari, Gomez; Minteh, O'Riley , Mitoma; Rutter
Fulham:
Leno; Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Sessegnon; Berge, Lukic; Wilson, King Iwobi; Jimenez
Key Players:
Brighton - Kaoru Mitoma
Mitoma will be hoping to pick up where he left off last season after enjoying a run of four goal involvements in the final five games of the Premier League season.
Fulham will have to watch the 28-year-olds in the wide areas of the pitch, an area where they are missing a key player. Mitoma had a heavy presence in the box last season, allowing him to hurt his opponents.
If Brighton wants to turn this poor record against Fulham around, Mitoma would likely play a big part in doing so.
Fulham - Alex Iwobi
The man whose brace sunk The Seagulls last year will be looking to do the same once again. The Nigerian was one of Fulham's most regular contributors to goals last season and will want to get off to a fast start for the Cottagers in this one.
His dribbling attributes always make him a handful to contain, alongside his ability to pick out his teammates with accurate long balls. So often the difference maker for Fulham, Alex Iwobi can play a crucial role once more in this one.
Match Details:
Where is this game being played?
This match is being contested at the Amex Stadium in Brighton
What time is kick-off?
The game commences at 15:00 BST
Where can I watch?
This game is not being televised in the UK