Brighton continue their preparations for the new Premier League campaign this weekend with a pre-season friendly against Serie A side Roma.
The Seagulls returned from their training camp in Austria earlier this week after ending the trip with an entertaining 4-3 victory over French outfit Strasbourg behind closed doors.
Saturday’s clash will give supporters their first opportunity to watch several of Brighton’s summer signings in action following a transfer window that has seen the club invest close to £100 million.
New arrivals including Luka Vušković, Pascal Struijk, Michael Svoboda, Costinha and Nigerian winger Zadok Yohanna are all expected to feature as Fabian Hurzeler continues to shape his squad.
Fans will also be eager to see how Brighton cope in attack following Danny Welbeck’s departure to Chelsea. New forwards Georginio and highly-rated Greek teenager Charalampos Kostoulas will both be hoping to impress as they compete for a regular starting berth.
There will also be plenty of attention on midfielder Carlos Baleba, who has been linked with Manchester United, as he looks to build momentum after an inconsistent campaign last season.
Hurzeler is expected to rotate his squad throughout the contest, but this is how Brighton could line up against Roma.
Predicted Brighton XI
Bart Verbruggen (Goalkeeper): The Dutch international remains Brighton’s first-choice goalkeeper despite a disappointing international campaign with the Netherlands. Jason Steele is expected to provide experienced cover.
Mats Wieffer (Right-back): Although Brighton signed Costinha from Olympiacos this summer, Wieffer is still expected to begin the season as the preferred option on the right side of defence thanks to his versatility.
Pascal Groß (Central Midfield): The experienced German looks set to once again become the heartbeat of Brighton’s midfield after making a strong impact following his return from Borussia Dortmund during the second half of last season.
Yankuba Minteh (Right Wing): The pacey winger has impressed during pre-season and remains one of Brighton’s biggest attacking threats. He will be aiming to improve his goal contributions, with Zadok Yohanna, Amario Cozier-Duberry and Harry Howell all providing competition.
Jack Hinshelwood (Attacking Midfield): Hinshelwood ended last season in the No. 10 role and appears well placed to continue there. The academy graduate has the qualities to become one of the team’s leaders in the years ahead.
Diego Gomez (Left Wing): With Kaoru Mitoma still working his way back from injury, Gomez is expected to fill the left-sided attacking role. Ibrahim Osman is another option, while Tommy Watson has joined Leicester on loan.
Charalampos Kostoulas (Centre Forward): Welbeck’s exit leaves a significant gap in Brighton’s attack, but it also presents a huge opportunity for Kostoulas. The talented Greek youngster will battle Georginio for the starting striker role, although Brighton could still enter the transfer market for another forward before the window closes.
