Brighton predicted line-up vs. Nottingham Forest: six changes made as £120m-rated striker returns

There is still plenty to play for throughout the remainder of Brighton’s season - despite a recent downturn in results that has hampered the Seagulls’ progress in a number of competitions.

Their historic first venture into European competition looks all but over after Roberto De Zerbi’s men fell to a 4-0 defeat in the first leg of their Europa League round of 16 tie against Serie A giants Roma on Thursday night. That came just over a week after Brighton were knocked out of the FA Cup with a 1-0 defeat at Wolverhampton Wanderers. Sandwiched between those two losses was a 3-0 league defeat against Fulham that left Brighton with just one win in their last four games and five points adrift of the top six.

With a big trio of fixtures lying in wait as the Seagulls host Nottingham Forest and Manchester City either side of their return leg with Roma, De Zerbi faces some major calls to make on his team selection ahead of Sunday’s Amex Stadium clash with Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.

Goalkeeper and defence

First and foremost, Jason Steele has started Brighton’s last three games and it would be no surprise to see the former Sunderland and Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper retain his place on Sunday afternoon. As for the makeup of his defence, changes could be made after Pervis Estupinan and Joel Veltman both came off the bench in Thursday’s defeat in Italy. Adam Webster could also return to contention after he was an unused substitute in Rome.

Midfield

Injuries have limited De Zerbi’s options in recent weeks and the likes of James Milner and Billy Gilmour will miss out through injury and suspension respectively - although has been some hope the former could be back in contention. Youngster Jack Hinshelwood is also on the sidelines after an ankle injury ruled him out of the action until May at the earliest. De Zerbi could look to hand a recall to Carlos Baleba after he was used as a substitute in Rome.

Forwards

Danny Welbeck led the line in Rome but he could drop out of the side with Evan Ferguson a possible replacement. However, the likes of Solly March, Joao Pedro and Kaoru Mitoma all remain on the sidelines meaning options in wide positions are limited once again.

Brighton predicted XI

Steele, Lamptey, Dunk, Veltman, Webster, Estupinan, Gross, Baleba, Adingra, Fati, Ferguson