Manager Roberto De Zerbi confirmed Brighton and Hove Albion’s top scorer Joao Pedro will return to the squad for their trip to Brentford in the Premier League following a lengthy spell out of the side due to a hamstring injury. Here is Last Word on Football’s Brighton Predicted Lineup.
Joao Pedro to Return: Brighton Predicted Lineup vs Brentford
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— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) April 3, 2024
Team News to Consider
Brazilian forward Pedro, who has scored 19 goals in all competitions, will return to the squad after not featuring for the Seagulls since suffering a hamstring injury in their 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace at the start of February.
Ahead of the Brentford clash, De Zerbi said: “Joao Pedro is back. He played a friendly game with the under-21s on Saturday, and he played well. I don’t know much time yet (he will play), but it’s great news for us.”
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The Italian manager also confirmed that Julio Enciso will be available after the Paraguayan missed the trip to Anfield. The 20-year-old missed much of the season through a meniscus tear before his recent return to the side.
De Zerbi said: “Julio Enciso is the same as Joao. We will see if one of two of them starts.”
Scottish international Billy Gilmour continues to be out following a knee injury sustained while on international duty. The midfielder joins Kaoru Mitoma, Solly March, and Jack Hinshelwood on the list of players with long-term injuries.
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Recent Form and Tactics
Following a 2-1 defeat to away Liverpool on Sunday on their return from the international break, the Seagulls have now won just one of their last four Premier League fixtures.
Danny Welbeck’s superb strike saw De Zerbi’s side race into a one-goal lead inside two minutes at Anfield but goals from Luis Diaz and Mohammed Salah ensured the Seagulls remained in ninth place in the table.
A win on Sunday would have seen Brighton climb to seventh but the result means West Ham United and Newcastle United lead them in the race for European football.
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It was another Welbeck wonder goal that offered a consolation for Brighton in their Europa League tie with AS Roma ahead of the international fixtures.
The former Arsenal forward’s goal curling effort from the edge of the box saw the Seagulls win their home leg 1-0 but following a 4-0 demolition in Rome, this was not enough to worry the Italians.
The South Coast side’s last win came in a 1-0 victory at home over Nottingham Forest thanks to an Andrew Omobamidele own goal.
De Zerbi has rotated between using a back three and back four in recent months, based largely on the personnel available to him. This variation has often taken place during the 90 minutes with the Brighton boss using versatile wingbacks and outside centre backs who can be fluid between the different systems.
How Brighton Have Lined-up Recently
De Zerbi has struggled to settle on a number-one goalkeeper this season but with Bart Verbruggen starting Albion’s last three fixtures, it appears the Dutchman is in favour over Jason Steele.
Lewis Dunk and Jan Paul van Hecke continue to provide consistency for the Seagulls in a campaign of rotation while Joel Veltman has started their last three league fixtures following a long spell sidelined.
Gilmour’s suspension and subsequent injury has disrupted the central midfield with Pascal Groß that was so instrumental for large parts of this season.
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The Scot’s absence has seen Carlos Baleba deputise alongside Groß who’s creativity continues to be pivotal to the Seagulls.
Welbeck has been De Zerbi’s first choice striker in the absence of Pedro and winger Simon Adingra has cemented himself in the starting eleven since his successful Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
Brighton Predicted Lineup
GK Bart Verbruggen
RCB Joel Veltman
CB Lewis Dunk
LCB Jan Paul van Hecke
RWB Tariq Lamptey
CM Pascal Groß
CM Carlos Baleba
LWB Pervis Estupinian
RW Facundo Buonanotte
ST Danny Welbeck
LW Simon Adingra
