Brighton and Hove Albion start their new Premier League season at Everton this Saturday. It will be the first taste of top flight action for Albion’s new head coach Fabian Hurzeler, who joined the club this summer from German club St Pauli.
Hurzeler, 31, has impressed during pre-season with the Seagulls and will become the youngest ever permanent manager in Premier League history at Goodison Park this weekend. The German does though have a few injuries issues to juggle ahead of his first league match, with some key players likely to miss the trip to Everton.
Here’s the early team news for Brighton and Everton ahead of the the Premier League kick-off...
9. Billy Gilmour - doubt
Continues to be linked with a move to Napoli and has not featured in pre-season. Photo: Charlie Crowhurst
10. Jarrad Branthwaite - out
The 22-year-old defender has a groin issue. Everton boss Sean Dyche said: "I don’t think he’ll be there for next Saturday." Photo: Stu Forster
11. James Garner – out
The Everton midfielder is currently struggling with a calf issue and the former Man United man will miss the opener against Brighton. Photo: Michael Regan
12. Nathan Patterson - out
The Scotland international right back continues to struggle with a thigh issue and not expected to play against Brighton. Photo: Clive Brunskill