Brighton and Hove Albion will be hoping to secure another win as they face Crystal Palace at home. Palace have failed to register a shot on target in their last 3 consecutive games. Brighton, on the other hand, have been in outstanding form as their midfield trio continues to combine.
Team News:
After sustaining a knee injury against West Ham, Brighton’s Tariq Lamptey missed the draw with Leeds and is a major doubt for Wednesday’s contest, with Joel Veltman therefore set to continue at right-back.
Adam Lallana (muscle) and Jakub Moder (knee) remain sidelined with long-term injuries, but Levi Colwill and Yasin Ayari recovered from respective muscle and illness issues to make the matchday squad last weekend and will be available for selection against Palace, although the duo are unlikely to start.
Mac Allister, who is looking to score in three successive Premier League games for the first time, is expected to continue in the number 10 role in behind either Evan Ferguson or Danny Welbeck up front, while in-form duo March and Mitoma are set to retain their places on the flanks.
De Zerbi confirmed prior to Brighton’s draw with Leeds that he ‘prefers’ Jason Steele to start in goal over Robert Sanchez, and the former is expected to start his third consecutive game between the sticks on Wednesday.
As for Crystal Palace, Will Hughes missed the defeat against Man City through illness but the midfielder could return for the trip to the Amex, while Sam Johnstone and Nathan Ferguson remain out with respective calf and Achilles injuries.
Cheick Doucoure is available for selection after serving a one-match suspension and will likely return to the first XI at the expense of Luka Milivojevic, joining Albert Sambi Lokonga and Jeffrey Schlupp in centre-midfield.
Having failed to pose an attacking threat in the last three matches, Vieira is expected to make changes in the final third, with Odsonne Edouard and Jean-Philippe Mateta both pushing to start, although Wilfried Zaha – who has scored more goals against Brighton (eight) than any other opponent in his career – is set to retain his place in the starting lineup.
Brighton & Hove Albion possible starting lineup:
Steele; Veltman, Dunk, Webster, Estupinan; Caicedo, Gross; March, Mac Allister, Mitoma; Ferguson
Crystal Palace possible starting lineup:
Guaita; Clyne, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell; Lokonga, Doucoure, Schlupp; Ayew, Edouard, Zaha
Prediciton: Brighton & Hove Albion 3-0 Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace have caused Brighton problems on numerous occasions over the years, but their recent form in front of goal is a major concern ahead of their trip to the Amex.
The Seagulls, meanwhile, have been scoring goals for fun so far this campaign, netting at least twice on 13 occasions in the Premier League, and De Zerbi’s side will fancy their chances of returning to winning ways with another impressive home triumph on Wednesday.
