Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has some very tough decisions to make as the Seagulls resume Premier League action following the prolonged international break.
Brighton striker Georginio is pushing to start at Sunderlandplaceholder image
Brighton striker Georginio is pushing to start at Sunderland | Getty Images
Brighton have enjoyed a fine start so far and sit third in the Premier League after five matches. Last time out Albion thrashed Arsenal 3-0 at the Amex Stadium and now Hurzeler has to decide if the likes of fit-again skipper Lewis Dunk and star striker Georginio return to the starting XI.
Pascal Struijk performed superbly at centre back in Dunk’s absence and striker Charalampos Kostoulas has also grabbed his chance while Georginio was sidelined.
Hurzeler confirmed yesterday that Dunk is fit to play at Sunderland, while Georginio has had his “best ever” week of training since joining the club.
Here’s how Brighton could line-up for this one...
Brighton XI at Sunderland
Bart Verbruggen - GK: The Dutch international is playing some of the best football of his career at Brighton and will hope to keep another clean sheet at the Stadium of Light.
Ferdi Kadioglu - RB: The Turkey international showed signs of getting back to his best form just prior to the international break
Luka Vuskovic - CB: Hurzeler messaged Vuskovic after the defender lost 7-0 to England during the international. Hurzeler reminded him that he once lost 7-0 at Nottingham Forest during his first season at Brighton and came back stronger. Good management!
Lewis Dunk - CB: I think the skipper returns for this one as Struijk tweaked a hamstring against Arsenal just prior to the break.
Olivier Bosgali - LB: The Frenchman has been one of Albion’s best players this season.
Pascal Gross - CM: The Premier League Player of the Month starts. Of course he starts, it’s Pascal Gross for crying out loud!
Chema Andres - CM: The deadline day arrival impressed against Arsenal on his full debut and could start this one as Yasin Ayari shakes off an illness.
Diego Gomez - RW: Yankuba Minteh, Femi Azeez and Zadok Yohanna are all struggling for fitness so Albion’s powerful Paraguayan gets the nod on the right flank.
Malick Yalcouye - No 10: Jack Hinshelwood could be available but I expect the excellent Yalcouye to start this one. His energy, running power and eye for goal make him a real threat.
Maxim De Cuyper - LW: The Belgian has performed extremely well in Mitoma’s absence with three goals and three assists so far.
Georginio - CF: Kostoulas suffered a cut to the leg while on international duty and Georginio was highly praised by the boss this week for training well.