Brightonvs.Southampton

Carlos Baleba was sent off for two bookable offenses in the Seagulls' 2-1 win at Bournemouth last weekend and is now suspended, while James Milner (thigh) and Solly March (knee) both remain sidelined with injuries.

Meanwhile, Lewis Dunk (calf), Jack Hinshelwood (knee), Ferdi Kadioglu (toe), Tariq Lamptey (calf), Adam Webster (thigh) and Yankuba Minteh (muscle) are all doubtful and will be assessed ahead of kickoff.

Captain Dunk is seemingly one of the most likely who could return to the matchday squad on Friday having stepped up his recovery in training, but it remains to be seen whether he is fit enough to start in central defence ahead of either Jan Paul van Hecke or Igor Julio.

While Bart Verbruggen is set to continue between the sticks, Joel Veltman and Pervis Estupinan are the most likely duo to operate as full-backs, while Fabian Hurzeler will be forced to make at least one change to his midfield.

Indeed, the absent Baleba and uncertainty over the fitness of Hinshelwood could therefore see Matt O'Riley handed his first Premier League start in the middle of the pitch alongside either Yasin Ayari or Mats Wieffer.

Joao Pedro scored on his first start since August against Bournemouth and is expected to continue in an advanced role in behind central striker Danny Welbeck, while Kaoru Mitoma - who also scored last time out - and Georginio Rutter could both be deployed out wide, although Simon Adingra will push the latter for a start on the right.

Brighton & Hove Albion possible starting lineup: Verbruggen; Veltman, Van Hecke, Igor, Estupinan; Wieffer, O'Riley; Rutter, Pedro, Mitoma; Welbeck