Albion head coach Fabian Hurzeler has already confirmed two changes ahead of tomorrow’s Carabao Cup fourth round clash against Liverpool.
The Seagulls, who play Liverpool again in the Premier League four days later, will start with Jason Steele in goal ahead of Bart Verbruggen, while £25m summer signing Mats Wieffer will also get a rare start in midfield.
Steele was a regular under previous boss Roberto De Zerbi last term and would often rotate goalkeeping duties with Verbruggen. Hurzeler has though made it clear that Verbruggen is his preferred No 1 in the Premier League but Steele will step-up for the Carabao Cup – as he did in the previous round against Wolves.
Wieffer, 24, has struggled to establish himself in the starting XI following his move from Feyenoord and last Saturday – after coming on as a substitute in the 2-2 draw against Wolves in the Premier League – it was his error that led to the visitors’ equaliser.
Hurzeler though praised Wieffer’s character and backs his man to bounce back against Liverpool. “He has character and he seems very stable in mind,” said the German head coach. “And that’s why I think he will learn from this and grow as a person and develop.
“To be successful it’s not a comfortable position, it will be tough in some moments. That’s why I’m looking forward to how he will play tomorrow.”
Brighton will though be without captain Lewis Dunk who is struggling with a calf injury. Experienced midfielder James Milner (hamstring), Defender Adam Webster (thigh), Matt O’Riley (knee), Solly March (knee), Joao Pedro (ankle) are also ruled-out.
On the plus side, Jack Hinshelwood is available after the missing the Wolves and Yankuba Minteh could also feature after a two game absence with a muscular injury.
“Yes, they both have a chance,” Hurzeler added. “I think the chance of Jack is even higher. He will for sure be a part of the squad tomorrow. With Minteh we’ll see. We have to look how he is today and then we have to make a decision if we take a risk with him or not, but they’re all in good shape at the moment.”
There could also be a start for full back Tariq Lamptey, who made his first Premier League appearance of the season against Wolves last Saturday as a second half substitute.
“Tariq is one great example and he is always there. He’s in a good shape. He’s training very good. He played now some minutes also for Ghana in the international break. So I think he will be ready,” Hurzeler said.
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