Burnley vs Brighton in the Premier League from Turf Moor - Saturday, 3pm
Brighton will hope to pick-up exactly where they left off as they resume Premier League action at Burnley this Saturday.
The Seagulls were on a fine run of form just prior to the latest international break with four wins from their last five top flight fixtures.
Fabian Hurzeler's men are 10th in the table and another good result at lowly Burnley would boost Brighton's chances of competing in Europe next season.
It's often tricky to predict a line-up after an international break, but based on reports and having assessed recent training, here's my predicted Brighton XI for the trip to Burnley
Brighton predicted XI at Burnley
Bart Verbruggen: The Dutch international is currently playing some of the best football of his career as he keeps Jason Steele - recently called-up by England - out of the team. Verbruggen remains Hurzeler’s No 1 and is almost certain to be between the sticks at Turf Moor.
Mats Wieffer: The midfielder has successful and perhaps reluctantly been converted to a full back by Hurzeler since his £25m arrival. Regularly gets the nod ahead of Joel Veltman due to his ability to get up the pitch and create attacking opportunities.
Jan Paul van Hecke: The 26-year-old is possibly one of the most improved defenders in the Premier League over the last couple of seasons. If he’s fit, he plays and the Dutchman is set to take his place against Burnley. Brighton’s big concern will be keeping him this summer.
Olivier Boscagli: The Monégasque joined Brighton on a free from PSV last summer and has been used sparingly. He’s set to step-up this Saturday as skipper Lewis Dunk is suspended due to 10 bookings. A classy defender and always looks very accomplished when he plays.
Ferdi Kadioglu: It’s been an impressive season from the Turkey international and he has made the left back position his own, despite competition from Maxim De Cuyper. Boundless energy and can link well with Kaoru Mitoma going forward.
James Milner: The 40-year-old is hard to drop at the moment. His know-how and performances in central midfield have been key to Brighton’s recent good run of form. He will likely keep Carlos Baleba and Yasin Ayari on the bench.
Pascal Gross: Hurzeler may well opt for experience at the base of the midfield and Gross could well operate alongside Milner once again. He’s played almost every minute of every match since his January return from Dortmund.
Yankuba Minteh: The flying Gambian was just getting back to his most dangerous form just before the international break and he could get the nod ahead of the excellent Diego Gomez. A big call to be made here!
Jack Hinshelwood: The midfielder has been used in an advanced midfield role of late. He withdrew from England under-21 duty with a slight knee issue but Hurzeler insists it’s a “small issue” and will be available. He was spotted training this week, albeit with strapping on the knee.
Kaoru Mitoma: The Japan international scored a cracking goal against England during the break and will hope to finish the season strongly with Brighton. A frustrating season for Mitoma but remains one of the best wingers in the PL. Does he get the nod ahead of Gomez too?
Danny Welbeck: The veteran striker will hope to add to his 11 goals this term and push his claim for England selection. Hurzeler feels Welbeck should be in the England set-up and would be a huge asset for England this summer. Hard to disagree with that!
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