Brighton predicted XI vs FK Jablonec: Yankuba Minteh update and £40m man starts after two-goal blast
FK Jablonec vs Brighton and Hove Albion in the Uefa Conference League at the Stadion Strelnice - Thursday, 5.45pm
Brighton are expected to make numerous changes for their Conference League clash against Czech club FK Jablonec.
The Seagulls - who top the Conference League table after a 4-0 home win against Kauno Zalgiris - start a run of five consecutive away matches in Jablonec.
They then travel to Liverpool in the Premier League this Sunday, before two trips to Manchester City (one Premier League and one Carabao Cup). Albion’s fifth straight away day is a trip to Madrid to face La Liga club Getafe.
The hectic schedule will test the depth of Fabian Hurzeler's large squad, which will see the German shuffle his pack against the Czechs.
"If I have a small squad, I don't sleep because I worry about injuries. If I have a large squad I don't sleep because I leave players out. It's all s**t,” said the German with a wry smile last week.
Here's how the much-changed Seagulls could line-up for this one, including a possible return for winger Yankuba Minteh.
Brighton’s predicted XI
Jason Steele - GK: I think Bart could rested for this one and Steele - who performed so well in the Carabao at Manchester United - will come in for his second start of the season.
Costinha - RB: Ferdi Kadioglu will likely be rested and Mats Wieffer - who is nearing full fitness - maybe introduced from the bench. Which means another start for summer signing Costinha.
Michael Svoboda - CB: The Austrian summer arrival looks an impressive addition to the squad. He won't always start but he's a very solid and reliable presence when he does.
Luka Vuskovic - CB: The impressive 19-year-old will likely go again. Leiws Dunk may put his feet up for this one and Pascal Struijk is working his way back from injury.
Jaouen Hadjam - LB: This guy looks another very astute piece of business for Brighton. Very fast, athletic left back with an eye for goal - as Sunderland will tell you. Likely start ahead of the rested Olivier Boscagli.
Pascal Gross - CM: Will he want a rest? Probably not.
Chema Andres - CM: The midfield really depends on who Hurzler wants to rest. Andres may get the nod ahead Yasin Ayari for this one.
Matt O'Riley - RM: The Denmark international has featured in the European matches this season - and scored against Zalgiris. I expect him start on the right here but look out for a potential Yankuba Minteh return from the bench.
Malick Yalcouye - No 10: The Ivory Coast international has impressed this term and could offer his running power in the No 10 role. Fit again Jack Hinshelwood could appear from the bench.
Ibrahim Osman - LW: The winger Claimed two assists against Zalgiris and should get another chance to impress.
Georginio - CF: Expect the £40m Frenchman to lead the line after his two goals against Zalgiris. There could also be a run out for the rarely seen Promise David.
