Brighton vs. Tottenham: Projected Starting XI Following Key Updates from Hurzeler and Postecoglou

Tottenham Hotspur will aim to maintain their impressive form when they face Brighton and Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

 

The Lilywhites have secured victories in their last five matches across all competitions, including a challenging win over Ferencvaros in the Europa League midweek.

 

In contrast, Brighton has struggled lately, going winless in their last four Premier League outings, most recently suffering a 4-2 defeat to Chelsea.

 

Manager Ange Postecoglou has successfully established a strong balance within his squad, overcoming significant pressure on his role.

 

This has resulted in standout performances, such as a commanding 3-0 victory against Manchester United at Old Trafford last weekend.

 

Conversely, Brighton’s fortunes have declined since their own victory over Manchester United earlier this season, having been overwhelmed by Chelsea and Cole Palmer in their last match.

 

Both teams favor exciting, attacking football, promising an entertaining clash. Here’s a look at how GIVEMESPORT anticipates each side will line up for the encounter.

 

Brighton Injury Updates

Brighton’s manager, Fabian Hurzeler, is grappling with significant injury challenges ahead of the match, with up to four players unavailable.

 

Joao Pedro is sidelined with an ankle issue, while Jan Paul Van Hecke and Matt O’Riley are long-term absentees.

 

Additionally, winger Simon Adingra is a major doubt, as Hurzeler mentioned the need for caution regarding his condition.

 

On a positive note, the team can welcome back Joel Veltman and James Milner.

 

Both have rejoined the squad, and Solly March and Brajan Gruda have trained well this week, making them possible options for the bench.

 

In his pre-match press conference, Hurzeler provided an update on his squad’s status heading into Sunday’s game:

 

“The positive news is that Brajan Gruda and Solly March trained really well this week, so they might be available, along with James Milner. Joel Veltman is also back in the squad.

 

“Unfortunately, we are still missing the long-term injured players: Matt O’Riley, Joao Pedro, and JP van Hecke. We need to be careful with Simon Adingra.

 

“As for Van Hecke, I don’t believe his injury is too serious, but we assess it on a week-to-week basis.

 

Matt O’Riley is showing positivity and making gradual progress, which is crucial following his surgery.

 

He’s adhering to his rehab plan, and we look forward to having him back on the field.

 

“Overall, there is a mix of positive and negative news, but generally, it’s more positive with players returning.”

 

Brighton Predicted XI

Brighton’s expected lineup is as follows: Verbruggen; Veltman, Dunk, Webster, Kadioglu; Baleba, Hinshelwood; Minteh, Rutter, Mitoma; Welbeck.

Predicted substitutes include Steele (GK), Igor (DEF), Lamptey (DEF), Estupinan (DEF), Wieffer (MID), Milner (MID), Enciso (MID), Ayari (MID), and Ferguson (FWD).

 

Hurzeler will need to make some tactical adjustments after a run of disappointing form.

 

Yankuba Minteh is likely to return to the starting lineup, replacing Wieffer to enhance the team’s attacking capabilities.

 

Meanwhile, Danny Welbeck is expected to retain his position as the central striker, despite Evan Ferguson’s return from injury.

 

Tottenham Injury Updates

For Tottenham, Son Heung-min has missed the recent matches against Manchester United and Ferencvaros due to a hamstring injury.

 

Ange Postecoglou has indicated that Son is unlikely to be fit for this upcoming clash as he continues his recovery.

 

Defender Destiny Udogie also missed the midweek match but is anticipated to return, while Wilson Odobert and Richarlison remain long-term injuries for the north London side.

 

In his pre-match press conference, Postecoglou provided insights into the squad’s fitness:

 

“Among the players who stayed back, we believe Destiny [Udogie] will be okay.

 

We have training scheduled for today and tomorrow, so he needs to complete those sessions successfully.

 

“Sonny is unlikely to make it. He’s working hard, but I don’t think he will be ready in time for this match. The rest of the players are long-term absentees.”

 

Tottenham Predicted XI

Tottenham’s anticipated lineup is as follows: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bentancur; Johnson, Maddison, Kulusevski, Werner; Solanke.

Predicted substitutes include Forster (GK), Gray (DEF), Dragusin (DEF), Spence (DEF), Davies (DEF), Sarr (MID), Bergvall (MID), Bissouma (MID), and Moore (FWD).

 

The key decision for Postecoglou lies in midfield, where he has various options but has found success with Bentancur playing as the lone defensive midfielder.

 

With Son ruled out, it’s unlikely the attacking formation will change much from the recent victory at Old Trafford, meaning young talent Mikey Moore may remain on the bench despite his excellent performance midweek.

 

Conclusion

 

As Tottenham Hotspur prepares to face Brighton, both teams bring distinct challenges and opportunities.

 

With injuries affecting both sides and a shared desire for attacking football, fans can expect an engaging and competitive match at the Amex Stadium.