Brighton return to league action this weekend as they face off against West Ham United. Both teams have failed to win their last six games in all competitions. This has resulted in Brighton falling away from the teams above them, worsening their chances of securing European football next season. They sit 10th on 48 points, nine behind Aston Villa in seventh. Here is our Brighton’s predicted lineup as they take on Graham Potter’s side at the Amex.
Brighton Predicted Lineup vs West Ham for Premier League Clash
How Brighton Have Lined Up Recently
As a result of Jason Steele’s long-term injury, Bart Verbruggen has started the last sixteen games in all competitions for Brighton. With the Seagulls currently suffering a defensive injury crisis, midfielders have been starting right-back, with Mats Wieffer started in the 4-2 loss against Brentford. Lewis Dunk and Jan Paul van Hecke are partnering at centre back. Pervis Estupinan has cemented down the left-back spot.
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Carlos Baleba has been lauded as one of the best midfielders in the league. Yasin Ayari is his most regular partner in midfield. Jack Hinshelwood started alongside Baleba in the away defeat to Brentford. Matt O’Riley started just in front of the double pivot.
Joao Pedro was favoured over Kaoru Mitoma who featured as a sub, with Yankuba Minteh taking up the right wing spot. Danny Welbeck scored twice in his last three starts for Brighton.
Brighton Recent Form & Tactics
Despite the bad form, Fabian Hurzeler has kept with the same 4-2-3-1 formation that Brighton has had success with in the past. It would not be effective against the counter-attacking Brentford, who, through the inform Bryan Mbuemo were 2-1 up five minutes into the second half. Yoann Wissa scored a third goal just before the referee sent off Pedro for violent conduct.
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Mitoma came off the bench to make it 3-3, but the Bees had the last laugh with Christian Norgaard scoring against the run of play to condemn Brighton to consecutive defeats on the road.
They have conceded 11 goals in their last five league games, in which they have only taken two points and scored five goals. Their last league clean sheet was at the end of February in a 4-0 win against the relegated Southampton.
Injuries have forced players like Hinshelwood to play out of position. The long injury list has created a lack of options for the squad. Fatigue is affecting the squad due to these circumstances.
Brighton Injuries And Absentees To Consider
Pedro will miss the game through a suspension. Georginio Rutter, Igor Julio, Ferdi Kadioglu, Van Hecke and James Milner all miss out. Hurzeler confirmed in his press conference that Joel Veltman will be fit to feature, alongside fellow right-back Tariq Lamptey. Mitoma has also been confirmed fit to start.
Brighton Predicted Lineup vs Brentford
GK: Bart Verbruggen
RB: Jack Hinshelwood
CB: Joel Veltman
CB: Lewis Dunk
LB: Pervis Estupinan
CM: Carlos Baleba
CM: Yasin Ayari
RW: Yankuba Minteh
AM: Matt O’Riley
LW: Karou Mitoma
ST: Danny Welbeck
