JUST IN; Brighton vs Fulham: Roberto De Zerbi makes multiple surprise omissions; £9m star makes long-awaited return
Brighton vs Fulham: Roberto De Zerbi makes multiple surprise omissions; £9m star makes long-awaited return
Albion have, however, been boosted by the return of teenage striker Evan Ferguson, flying full-back Tariq Lamptey and experienced defender Joel Veltman.
The trio, who all start this afternoon, were forced to sit out of the 1-0 FA Cup fifth round loss at Wolves on Wednesday and their return is boost for Roberto De Zerbi’s injury-hit squad.
Two operations and a lengthy rehabilitation period followed as the 20-year-old battled back to full-fitness.
Adam Lallana and Carlos Baleba have also been given rare starts, as Roberto De Zerbi makes seven changes to his team.
The Seagulls, who are seventh in the Premier League, are however still without Joao Pedro (thigh), James Milner (thigh), Solly March (knee), Kaoru Mitoma (back), Jack Hinshelwood (foot) and Billy Gilmour (suspended).
With that in mind, it comes as a surprise to see Igor Julio, Pascal Gross, Danny Welbeck, Simon Adingra, Ansu Fati and Facundo Buonanotte all on the substitutes’ bench.
Jason Steele keeps his place in goal despite his error in the 1-0 defeat at Wolves in the FA Cup on Wednesday night.
De Zerbi said in his pre-match press conference that he would be waiting until Sunday morning before preparing for Albion’s huge trip to Roma, for the first leg of the Europa League round-of-16 on Thursday (March 7).
The Italian added: “This is part of football and we move on and we play better to win the game tomorrow. We want to keep this level on the table.
The boys will be bringing the high of that dramatic Old Trafford win, and one would anticipate a starting XI with very few, if any, changes ahead of the game.
Rodrigo Muniz’s development increasingly looks like it’s going to cost us £4m, which I think we’re all fine with, providing he doesn’t turn back into a pumpkin as soon as Broja swans back to Stamford Bridge. Our Brazilian is almost certain to start up top.
