Brighton and Hove Albion vs Liverpool at the Amex Stadium in the Premier League - Saturday, 12.30pm
Skipper Lewis Dunk continues to walk a disciplinary tight rope ahead of Brighton’s clash with Liverpool.
Dunk, 34, has been a key man for Fabian Hurzeler this term with 28 starts from his 29 Premier League appearances so far.
The Albion captain missed the 1-0 home loss to Arsenal but returned to the starting XI and helped his team to a clean sheet and 1-0 win at Sunderland. The match at the Stadium of Light was his 500th appearance for his home town club.
It's a remarkable achievement for Dunk and he is expected to be in the starting XI for this Saturday's home clash against Premier League champions Liverpool.
Dunk will though have to tread carefully as he is currently on nine bookings for the season and is one mis-step away from a two-match ban.
10 yellows is a two-match ban
The Premier League website states: "Players who accumulate 10 yellow cards in Premier League matches up to and including their side's 32nd fixture will serve a two-match suspension in the competition."
Brighton's 32nd fixture is Burnley away on April 11, which means the Albion captain will have to be squeaky clean until then.
Albion midfielder Diegio Gomez has also racked up the yellows this term as the combative Paraguayan has eight cautions to his name so far.
"No. We try to get him on the pitch," said Hurzeler on Dunk's situation.
"I think he's experienced enough to handle these kinds of situations. He's my captain, he's my leader.
"He will be always be on the pitch if he's a hundred percent fit.
"So we don't try to manage his minutes, only if he has some problems with his body.
"But overall, I've picked him because I believe in him, that he can handle this kind of situation. If it happens, we have players who can replace him."
Hurzeler: Dunk is not done yet
Hurzeler also praised his skipper for reaching the 500 milestone at Sunderland.
"Yeah, definitely. And I think especially the last week his performances have even improved and therefore it shows that he's not done yet.
"I'm pleased that just two, three days ago I had a conversation with him that I don't take these things for granted what he's doing for the club.
"He suffers, he has some problems with his knees but he's always there for the club and that's something what we also shouldn’t for granted.
"He proved that with the performances and that shows that he's on the right way."
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