Pre-Match Analysis: Can Brighton continue their red-hot start against Ipswich?
The formidable defensive pairing of Lewis Dunk and Jan Paul Van Hecke embrace in last gameweek's 1-1 draw against Arsenal. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/ Getty Images)

The Albion return to Premier League action this Saturday, hosting newly-promoted Ipswich Town at The Amex.

The match will have been highly anticipated by Brighton supporters, who will have been counting down the days over the international break.

This is due to their side's dream start to the season, winning two of their first three matches, including a 2-1 victory against Manchester United in their last home match.

Their only dropped points came in a hard-fought 1-1 draw against title contenders Arsenal away at the Emirates Stadium; a point that felt like it could have even been three for the Seagulls.

This excellent start deservedly earned Brighton's new manager, Fabian Hürzeler, the Premier League Manager of the Month award for August; an impressive feat so early in his tenure.

  • Previous encounters

This will be their first meeting between the sides since the 2016/17 Championship season; a campaign in which both matches ended in draws.

Ipswich have the edge historically in encounters between the two. Their 31 wins trump Albion's 24 in the 70 fixtures.

The most memorable of their recent fixtures is probably Albion's 3-2 away win at Portman Road in August 2015.

After both sides made good starts to the season this fixture promised to deliver, and that it did.

Despite Chris Hughton's Brighton side scoring two early goals, Ipswich fought back to make it 2-2.

It took a 67th-minute Tomer Hemed goal to secure his brace and the victory for Brighton.

It would go on to be a great season for the Albion, where they would narrowly miss out on automatic promotion, finishing third on the final day. 

Coincidentally, Hemed, who scored 30 goals in his 97 games, has returned to the club this season in a mentoring role within the academy.

  • Seagulls must be wary of underdogs

Despite their underdog status this time around, Ipswich cannot be taken lightly.

The Tractor Boys have faced a difficult start to the Premier League season, with tough games against Liverpool and Manchester City in their opening two fixtures.

However, in a more even test, their most recent 1-1 draw against Fulham, Kieran McKenna’s side impressed with their quality of football.

Brighton, of course, hold great admiration for Ipswich's style of play. 

They were heavily linked with, and were said to have approached, McKenna this summer, before eventually going for current boss Fabian Hürzeler.

  • Threats to Brighton

Albion fans will need to be wary of Ipswich's attacking threats, particularly forward Liam Delap, son of Premier League legend Rory Delap.

Known for his pace and strength, both Delap and equally tricky winger Omari Hutchinson, are likely to cause problems for Brighton's defenders.

Another one to keep an eye on is centre-back Jacob Greaves. He has looked a real threat from set-pieces so far this campaign. 

Manchester City loanee, Kalvin Phillips, and last season's championship top scorer, Sammie Szmodics, who scored against  City in Gameweek 2, also look set for starts. 

One thing is certain; the newly promoted side play with tenacity and with a fire in their bellies.

They will be hungry for their first Premier League win of the campaign and must not be overlooked.

  • Selection headaches

Brighton do have some key absentees and fitness concerns heading into this fixture.

In his pre-match press conference on Thursday, Hürzeler confirmed that James Milner, who suffered a minor hamstring injury in the Arsenal game, will miss between one and three weeks.

There is also a question mark over Mats Wieffer’s availability. Hürzeler admitted Saturday's game may come "too soon" for the new Dutch midfielder.

Injuries to Milner and Wieffer as well as Matt O'Riley could mean that young midfielder Yasin Ayari makes his first start for the Seagulls.

The young Swede has looked good off the bench this season, and was unlucky not to get a goal against Everton in the opening day, due to being ruled just offside.

There could also be a first appearance for new signing Ferdi Kadıoğlu, who joined from Fenerbahçe this summer.

Hürzeler suggested that the versatile defender is a "possibility" for a debut this weekend. Though, the feature is more likely to come from the bench, rather than starting.

Albion fans will be keen to see if star man João Pedro is included in the line-up. Brighton's number nine, who has already scored two goals this season, got a deserved call-up to the Brazil national team last week.

Pedro played 45 minutes on Tuesday in Brazil's 1-0 loss to club teammate Julio Enciso's Paraguay.

Due to the travel demands to and from South America, Hürzeler confirmed that Pedro was unable to train on Thursday, raising doubts about whether he will start.

This could pave the way for Brighton's new record signing, Georginio Rutter, to make his full debut. The £40 million arrival from Leeds is an exciting prospect, and Saturday could be his moment to shine.

  • Final thoughts

Despite Ipswich's struggles to register their first win this season, their style of play and attacking options make them a threat.

Brighton, however, will go into this game confident of continuing their strong start to the season under Manager of the Month, Fabian Hürzeler.

The Seagulls’ impressive attack and solid defensive performances so far make them strong home favourites, but they must remain alert to the dangers posed by Ipswich's youthful and energetic side.