Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler faces a number of selection dilemmas ahead of their Premier League clash with Ipswich Town at the Amex Stadium on Saturday.
The Seagulls, who have seven points from their first three league matches, have a number of injury concerns alongside players jetting back from international duty from all corners of the globe.
Defender Joel Veltman, midfielders James Milner, Mats Wieffer, Ferdi Kadıoğlu and striker Evan Ferguson are all injury concerns, while first team regulars Pervis Estupian, Joao Pedro, Julio Enciso, Yankuba Minteh and Kaoru Mitoma face long flights back to the UK after representing their countries. Pedro’s schedule is cause for the most concern as the in-form striker represents Brazil in their World Cup qualifier against Paraguay in Asuncion on Wednesday at 1.30am UK time. The 16-hour flight back from Paraguay on Thursday is not the ideal preparation for Saturday’s showdown. Paraguay’s Enciso has the same issue.
Here’s how Hurzeler’s Brighton could line-up to face Kieran McKenna’s newly-promoted Ipswich.
1. Bart Verbruggen – GK
The Dutch No 1 impressed on his return from injury at Arsenal and will likely be between the sticks against Ipswich Photo: Stuart MacFarlane
2. Joel Veltman – RB
The Dutchman will hope to recover in time from a thigh injury sustained against Arsenal. If not, Tariq Lamptey could come in for his first start of the season
3. Lewis Dunk – CB
The skipper will lead the team out against Ipswich
4. Jan Paul van Hecke – CB
Very impressive so far this season and impossible to drop on current form
5. Jack Hinshelwood – LB
Could be another start at left back for the talented youngster as Pervis Estupinan, who recently returned from injury, makes the long journey back from South America
6. Carlos Baleba – CM
The youngster impressed at Arsenal and could start again in midfield due to injury concerns to Milner, Wieffer and Kadıoğlu.
7. Yasin Ayari – CM
Introduced at Arsenal after an injury to Milner and did enough to hold his place – especially if Milner and Wieffer are injured.
8. Yankuba Minteh – RW
The £30m summer signing from Newcastle has impressed on the right flank and will look to get on the scoresheet against Ipswich.
9. Georginio Rutter – No 10
Albion’s record £40m signing could make his first start in place of Joao Pedro – if the Brazilian is too jet-lagged following his long flight back from international duty. Rutter came off the bench for the last 10 minutes against Arsenal
10. Kaoru Mitoma – LW
The left winger scored for Japan while on international duty and should be fit and firing to face Ipswich
11. Danny Welbeck – CF
The experienced striker is currently playing some of the best football of his career and should be good to go against the Tractor Boy
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