Brighton will be looking to maintain pace with the top four when they face Wolves at the Amex on Saturday afternoon with the visitors continuing their search for a first win of the season.
The Seagulls have continued their strong form from previous seasons and currently occupy fifth spot after recent wins against Tottenham and Newcastle United.
However, the story is much bleaker in the Black Country with Wolves having picked up a solitary point from their opening eight encounters.
Gary O’Neil will know his side need to start picking up points and a positive result on their travels ahead of home games against Crystal Palace and Southampton could kickstart their campaign.
His opposite number, Fabian Hurzeler, has bested him once already this campaign, a 3-2 success in the Carabao Cup, whilst Brighton have enjoyed 11 previous top-flight wins over Wolves – the most they have managed against any side.
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Team News
The Seagulls’ goalscorer against Newcastle, Danny Welbeck, is a doubt for the game after the injury suffered on Tyneside.
Yankuba Minteh is in a similar boat and will face a fitness test ahead of Saturday’s encounter.
Otherwise, the hosts still remain without James Milner, Matt O’Riley, Joao Pedro, Adam Webster and Solly March.
The visitors also have five players definitely ruled out. Key forward Hwang Hee-chan is amongst that group alongside Enso Gonzalez, Sasa Kalajdzic, Yerson Mosquera and Boubacar Traore.
Tommy Doyle will be pushing for a start after replacing Andre at half-time in their late defeat to Manchester City last weekend.
And O’Neil has a decision to make in goal after Jose Sa’s impressive display in place of the previously injured Sam Johnstone.
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Predicted Line-Ups
Verbruggen; Veltman, Dunk, Julio, Kadioglu; Baleba, Hinshelwood; Rutter, Mitoma, Ayari; Ferguson.
Johnstone; Bueno, Dawson, T. Gomes; Semedo, J. Gomes, Andre, Lemina, Ait-Nouri; Strand Larsen, Cunha.
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Key Players
Brighton – Georgino Rutter
The Frenchman has come alive for the Seagulls in recent weeks with two goals and an assist to his name and he has played a key part in their recent successes.
The assist came on the road to Newcastle last weekend with his clever slipped through ball setting up Welbeck perfectly to secure all three points.
Whilst one of his goals came against Tottenham as part of the fantastic comeback Hurzeler's players pulled off from 2-0 down.
Predominantly playing on the right-hand side, the £40 million summer signing isn’t averse to drifting inside and causing further headaches for the opposition defence, which Wolves won’t be welcoming given their current situation especially if Rutter can find joy in behind their wing backs.
Wolves – Jorgen Strand Larsen
Conceding goals has been a major problem for Wolves but at the other end of the field, Strand Larsen has been a shining light in the gloom.
The 1.93m Norweigan striker has three goals to his name including strikes against Chelsea and Manchester City and offers a physical presence, as well as being quick on his feet.
Brighton’s centre-backs will be a formidable test for the 24-year-old and the Seagulls have been resolute defensively aside from the four goals shipped at Stamford Bridge.
How Strand Larsen plays in partnership with the Brazilian Matheus Cunha is likely to be key to Wolves’ chances of leaving Sussex with anything to their name.
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Match Details
Where is the game being played?
The match is being played at Brighton’s home, the American Express Stadium (Amex).
What time is kick off?
The game is one of four Premier League fixtures kicking off on Saturday afternoon at 15:00pm GMT.
How can I watch?
The game is being played during the 3pm blackout so can't be broadcasted in the UK.
Highlights will be available on the Sky Sports Premier League YouTube channel and Match of the Day.
