Fabian Hürzeler has named an unchanged Brighton and Hove Albion side to face Tottenham Hotspur in north London today (Saturday 18 April).
It will be former Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi’s first home game in charge and he plans to field former Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma in his starting line up.
Xavi Simons is down to start alongside him with Randal Kolo Muani – behind Dominic Solanke. Rodrigo Bentancur also returns to midfield while Cristian Romero is out injured.
Danny Welbeck once again skippers Brighton in the absence of suspended club captain Lewis Dunk.
Mats Wieffer, who scored both goals in the 2-0 win at Burnley last weekend, keeps his place in a defence that includes Jan Paul van Hecke, Ferdi Kadioglu and Olivier Boscagli, with Bart Vergruggen in goal.
Albion’s midfield is made up of Pascal Gross and Yasin Ayari, Yankuba Minteh, Jack Hinshelwood and Diego Gomez.
On the bench, Hürzeler has named Kaoru Mitoma, Carlos Baleba, Georginio Rutter, Maxim De Cuyper, Joel Veltman and Charalampos Kostoulas as well as Julio Igor, Matt O’Riley and reserve keeper Jason Steele.
Tottenham sit 18th in the Premier League heading into today’s clash in north London which Fabian Hürzeler puts down to the intensity of the Premier League.
He said: “I think everyone is a little bit surprised but on the other side it’s very important to understand how ruthless the Premier League can be, how tight the Premier League is.
“You need to be on your highest level every weekend and we experienced a bad run in the season. If you’re not doing the right behaviours on a daily basis then you have no chance at the weekend.
“It’s maybe a little surprise for everyone. But it also shows how intense and ruthless the Premier League can be.”
Albion start the match – due to kick off at 5.30pm – in 10th place after Bournemouth beat Newcastle United 2-1 away this afternoon.
With 46 points from 32 games, the Seagulls are perched just two points behind Chelsea in sixth and still in contention for a European place.
