Brightonvs.Chelsea

The Seagulls are set to face the Blues for the second time in a week after they got the better of Enzo Maresca's side in Saturday's FA Cup fourth-round tie.

Georginio Rutter and Kaoru Mitoma grabbed a goal apiece to steer Fabian Hurzeler's charges to a 2-1 victory, setting up a fifth-round tie against Newcastle United.

Unfortunately for the Seagulls, Dunk was forced off at half time of the FA Cup tie and is now a doubt for Friday's rematch due to a rib injury.

The hosts are also expected to be without James Milner (hamstring), Solly March (muscle), Ferdi Kadioglu (toe), Jason Steele (shoulder) and Igor Julio (hamstring), while Pervis Estupinan and Mats Wieffer are doubts due to muscle and knee injuries respectively.

With Steele unavailable for selection, goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen is set to retain his place in between the posts despite being at fault for Chelsea's goal in the FA Cup victory.

Joel Veltman and Tariq Lamptey are likely to operate as the two full-backs, while Jan Paul van Hecke will retain his place in central defence.

The Dutchman could be partnered by Adam Webster if Dunk fails to prove his fitness in time, although there is also the option to hand winter signing Eiran Cashin his Brighton debut.

Caleb Baleba will keep his place in the Brighton engine room, while it remains to be seen whether Hurzeler sticks with Jack Hinshelwood or gives January signing Diego Gomez his first start after featuring as a substitute in the last two matches.

Yankuba Minteh and Mitoma will provide the threat from the flanks, with Rutter set to keep his spot behind the striker following his goalscoring display in the FA Cup tie.

Joao Pedro dropped down to the bench at the weekend, but he will be hoping to get the nod over Danny Welbeck for Friday's Premier League fixture.

Brighton & Hove Albion possible starting lineup: Verbruggen; Veltman, Van Hecke, Webster, Lamptey; Hinshelwood, Baleba, Minteh, Rutter, Mitoma; Pedro

Written by

Ben Sully