Brighton & Hove Albion’s head coach, Fabian Hurzeler, has provided some early team news ahead of their Carabao Cup showdown with Liverpool. This match, taking place at the Amex Stadium on Wednesday, marks the first of two encounters between the clubs in just four days.
Liverpool‘s head coach, Arne Slot, is anticipated to make several changes for this fourth-round tie, while Hurzeler has already confirmed one key adjustment to his squad. In his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, the 31-year-old coach announced that goalkeeper Jason Steele will be given the starting position. Steele has had limited opportunities this season, appearing in only three matches, with his last game being the 3-2 victory over Wolves in the last round of the Carabao Cup. Adhering to the traditional approach of a cup goalkeeper, Hurzeler is set to stick with Steele for this crucial fixture.
In a further development, Steele may also take on the role of captain, as Lewis Dunk has been ruled out due to a calf injury sustained during warm-up before Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Wolves in the Premier League. Hurzeler indicated that Dunk is also likely to miss the upcoming league match at Anfield on Saturday, though the situation will be monitored on a day-to-day basis.
Brighton’s injury list remains extensive, with several key players sidelined. James Milner (thigh), Adam Webster (thigh), Matt O’Riley (ankle), Joao Pedro (ankle), and Solly March (knee) are all unavailable for selection. However, there is a glimmer of hope for Brighton fans, as midfielder Jack Hinshelwood, who missed the Wolves match due to a minor injury, and winger Yankuba Minteh, who has been out for two games with a muscle issue, are both potential returns for the cup tie. Tariq Lamptey, who has been impressive in training, is also expected to be involved.
In Dunk’s absence, Brighton’s options in defense are limited, with only two senior centre-backs available: Igor Julio and Jan Paul van Hecke. Despite this constraint, Hurzeler has a variety of players he can rotate into the lineup. The likes of Mats Wieffer, Jakub Moder, Simon Adingra, and Evan Ferguson are all candidates who could feature in the match, though it remains uncertain how the head coach will ultimately shape his squad.
Steele, Moder, Adingra, Minteh, Ferguson, and Julio Enciso all started in the previous round of the competition, but their involvement in league matches has been minimal. This could mean that Hurzeler might lean on some of his less frequently used players for this cup tie.
As Brighton prepares for this important encounter, the potential starting XI could include Steele in goal; Lamptey, Van Hecke, and Igor forming the back three, with Estupinan at wing-back. In midfield, Adingra, Baleba, and Moder could control the center, while Kadioglu might provide width. Up front, Rutter and Ferguson could lead the attack.
Overall, with injuries affecting the squad and Dunk’s absence leaving a gap in the defense, Hurzeler’s tactical decisions will be critical. The manager’s ability to adapt and utilize the available players effectively will determine Brighton’s chances against a formidable Liverpool side. As the teams gear up for this exciting cup tie, fans are left eagerly anticipating the outcome, hoping for a spirited performance from their team.
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