Brighton predicted line-up vs. Burnley: two major changes made as £31m pair return to starting XI

Brighton and Hove Albion will be hoping to get their push for European qualification back on track when they come up against struggling Burnley in the Premier League this weekend. The Seagulls have won just one of their past five top flight outings, and have slipped to 10th in the table following their defeat against Arsenal last time out.

For their part, Burnley sit second from bottom, six points adrift of safety, but Vincent Kompany’s men have shown a much greater level of resolve in recent weeks, and have lost just one of their last quintet of Premier League matches.

But how will both sides line up at Turf Moor this weekend? We’ve taken a closer look at their respective team news, as well as their predicted starting XIs, below...

Brighton Team News

Brighton have a number of injury concerns to deal with heading into the weekend. Wide man Solly March is not expected to play again this season after sustaining a serious knee complaint earlier in the campaign, while promising talent Jack Hinshelwood is also understood to have recorded his last minutes of 2023/24.

Likewise, Japanese winger Kaoru Mitoma finds himself in a similar situation, with Roberto de Zerbi recently claiming that he too may be ruled out for the rest of the season. Speaking about the 26-year-old in February, he said: 'It's the back injury which kept him out against Everton. It's an important problem. I think two or three months, so finished for the season.'

Elsewhere, Billy Gilmour is expected to be out until May with a knee problem, but there is better news regarding Evan Ferguson and Adam Webster; both could be in contention at the weekend.

Albion may have to wait a while longer to see veteran utility man James Milner back in action, however. Speaking at the beginning of February, De Zerbi said: 'James is not available. He can't play, he needs, I don’t know how much time. For the next two, three, four games, he can't play.' As yet, there is no clear indication as to when the former England international will be available for selection once again.

Brighton Predicted XI

Bart Verbruggen; Joel Veltman, Jan Paul van Hecke, Lewis Dunk, Pervis Estupinan; Carlos Baleba, Pascal Groß; Simon Adingra, Joao Pedro, Julio Enciso; Danny Welbeck.

Burnley Team News

For their part, Burnley too are dealing with a number of notable first team absences. Neither Aaron Ramsey or Nathan Redmond will play again this season due to knee and thigh injuries respectively, while lively attacker Luca Koleosho is still a little way away from full fitness.

In defence, Jordan Beyer and Ameen Al-Dakhil are both more likely to make their returns against relegation rivals Sheffield United next weekend. Dara O’Shea will also be absent against Brighton after being sent off against Everton last time out.

It is not all doom and gloom for the Clarets, though. Goalkeeper James Trafford should be available for selection again after overcoming a period of illness.

Burnley Predicted XI

James Trafford; Lorenz Assignon, Hannes Delcroix, Maxime Esteve, Charlie Taylor; Lyle Foster, Josh Cullen, Sander Berge, Jacob Bruun Larsen; David Datro Fofana, Wilson Odobert.