Brighton & Hove Albion emphatically kickstarted their Premier League campaign, securing a 3-0 win over Watford. The Seagulls were close to getting relegated last season but new boss Graham Potter will look to prevent that from happening this time around. And in this article, we will be figuring out Brighton’s strongest possible lineup, including all of their recent signings.
Formation: 5-4-1
Defence
Matthew Ryan is by far the most likely choice in between the sticks for Brighton & Hove Albion this season. David Button and Jason Steele are the alternatives, but none of them are experienced at the highest level of football.
The addition of Adam Webster means Brighton need to deploy a three/five-man backline to make use of the ex-Bristol City ace. He will be partnered by the ever so reliable Brighton defenders in Lewis Dunk and Shane Duffy. Operating with three central defenders could provide more rigidness in defence, making them harder to break down.
Ezequiel Schelotto deserves another chance this season. The Italian is ideally suited in the right wing-back slot, though both Dan Burn and Martin Montoya can be used as an alternative.
Gaetan Bong, meanwhile, is almost a guaranteed starter on the opposite flank. Potter shouldn’t consider Bernardo as he had shown signs of weaknesses on numerous occasions last season. The ex-Leipzig star isn’t the best fit in the left-wing role either.
Midfield
While a four-man midfield setup will offer Brighton the numerical balance due to the three-man defensive system, picking the right set of midfielders could be an issue. Both Yves Bissouma and Davy Propper are candidates to start in the double-pivot alongside Pascal Gross. But, only one will get the nod, which, we think, should be Bissouma, thanks to his work-rate and energy.
Gross, meanwhile, will be in charge of providing the creativity alongside Solly March and new signing Leandro Trossard. Both of these players will operate in wider midfield slots, though we expect March to drift into a slightly central role and provide support to the central midfielders.
Attack
Neal Maupay should undoubtedly be Brighton’s number one choice in the number nine slot this season. The Frenc attacker was brought in from Brentford and has already hit the ground running by scoring on his Premier League debut against Watford. He is agile and smart, making him an obvious upgrade over Jurgen Locadia and the ageing Glenn Murray.
