Brightonvs.Crystal Palace

Evan Ferguson has started the last two for the Seagulls, with Welbeck missing the defeat to Fulham, before only being named on bench in the 2-2 draw with Leicester City last Sunday.

With six league goals to his name this season though, Welbeck had garnered much praise for his early-season performances, and should return after being given ample time to recover from his recent knock.

After scoring at the King Power last week, Yankuba Minteh will also be pushing for a start, but the Gambian has competition from Georginio Rutter and Simon Adingra to contend with on the right-hand side.

On the opposite flank, Kaoru Mitoma is a certain starter, along with Joao Pedro behind the striker, while manager Fabian Hurzeler may also stick with the midfield pairing of Carlos Baleba and Yasin Ayari in the engine room.

It is unlikely Hurzeler will be able to welcome back any of his injury doubts from the start here, giving most of them a miniscule chance of recovering in time for this one.

Joel Veltman is 50-50 in his battle to overcome a muscle problem, but the Brighton boss gave Jack Hinshelwood a 40% chance, Ferdi Kadioglu 20% and James Milner 10% to be fit in time.

Adam Webster will be out until the new year with a hamstring issue, but the much-missed Solly March is very close to returning after such a lengthy absence from an ACL tear last season.

The defence should remain unchanged, and that will include captain Lewis Dunk, who scored in the 4-1 win here in February, but has also been given two of his five career red cards against Palace.

Brighton & Hove Albion possible starting lineup:

Verbruggen; Lamptey, Van Hecke, Dunk, Estupinan; Baleba, Ayari; Minteh, Joao Pedro, Mitoma; Welbeck

Written by

Andrew Delaney