The Seagulls head coach has guided his men to sixth in the Premier League with five wins and two defeats so far. Last Saturday’s 6-1 loss at Aston Villa was however a stinging blow and came fresh from Albion’s 1-0 Carabao Cup exit to Chelsea last Wednesday. Attentions now swiftly turn to Europa League action as Brighton travel to Marseille for a Group B clash. Brighton will be keen to get their campaign up and running after they suffered a 3-2 home defeat to AEK Athens in their first group match two weeks ago. Brighton were a bit patched up for that one and the injury to skipper Lewis Dunk saw Albion looked vulnerable defensively. De Zerbi has promised a big reaction following their mauling at Villa Park and the Italian hopes his key players will be fit and firing for the Orange Vélodrome – their first ever away match in Europe.
Here’s a list of the walking wounded and who is fit and who is doubtful ahead of the Seagulls’ historic trip...
9. Solly March - fit
Was taken off after 60 minutes at Villa, which also prompted some fitness concerns but March is believed to be okay. Played the full 90 against AEK, missed Bournemouth and then featured in the second half against Chelsea. De Zerbi is being more careful with March this term and his charge should be fit and firing for a huge night in Marseille. Photo: Nathan Stirk