Brighton predicted line-up vs. Bournemouth: Three changes made with key midfielders nearing returns

Brighton & Hove Albion travel along the South Coast on Sunday to take on Bournemouth in the Premier League at the Vitality Stadium – and Roberto de Zerbi will be looking to pick up his side’s first win in six matches.

Unfortunately, the Seagulls’ injury problems aren’t showing any signs of easing off, and as many as nine players could be absent this weekend against the Cherries. We’ve collected all of the latest team news and fitness updates ahead of the Premier League clash below for you, and if you’re looking for some information ahead of the Fantasy Premier League transfer deadline you can also catch our high-flying manager’s latest advice column right here.

Goalkeeper & Defence

Brighton have problems at full-back once more with both Tariq Lamptey and Pervis Estupiñán expected to be out this weekend. Estupiñán has picked up an ankle injury which is expected to keep him out for a month or so (likely ending his season), but details on Lamptey’s issue are scarcer, but he sustained a muscular problem ahead of the 1-1 draw with Burnley and will reportedly be out until May. Adam Webster, who has endured an injury-interrupted season, is in full training and should be fit if needed.

Promising Argentinian full-back Valentín Barco could be in line for a second consecutive start as a result but he did find the going tough on his full debut against Manchester City and was responsible for one of City’s goals after giving the ball away. Alternatively, De Zerbi could use Igor at left-back or return to a back three. Bart Verbruggen may resume in goal after Jason Steele was selected for the game at the Etihad.

Midfield

Most of Brighton’s injury problems are centred on midfield, and they could well be missing as many as six first-teamers this Sunday. Paraguayan attacking midfielder Julio Enciso, who has missed the last two matches with a knock, is the most likely to feature but there is some chance that James Milner (thigh) and Billy Gilmour (knee) will be available with both described as “better” by De Zerbi – they are still some way from full fitness, however.

Players who will certainly be absent for this weekend include Kaoru Mitoma (back), Solly March (knee) and Jack Hinshelwood (foot), none of whom are expected to play again this season. Ansu Fati should be fit to play, having not started a game since the middle of March.

Forwards

Another blow came ahead of the Manchester City match when Irish striker Evan Ferguson, who had been struggling with pain in his ankle for a few weeks, was ruled out for the rest of the campaign. De Zerbi told the media that he “tried to move on and play with pain, but in the end, he preferred to stop and think about next season.” Danny Welbeck is likely to start up front once again with record signing João Pedro continuing on the left of the front three.

Full predicted line-up vs. Bournemouth

Verbruggen; Igor, Dunk, Van Hecke, Veltman; Baleba, Lallana, Groß; Pedro, Buonanotte, Welbeck.