Brighton and Hove Albion’s huge summer investment provides head coach Fabian Hurzeler with numerous options once all the players are fit.
Albion have quite a few injuries at the moment with Adam Webster (thigh), Jan Paul van Hecke (groin), Matt O’Riley (ankle) Solly March (knee), James Milner (hamstring), Simon Adingra (muscular) and Joao Pedro (ankle) all unavailable.
Some are closer to a comeback than others and the likes of Adingra, March and Milner could be available after the international break as Brighton resume at Newcastle on October 19.
“I have different options,” said Hurzeler last month. “Of course we have (Kaoru) Mitoma, we have Georginio Rutter, who can play, we have Simon (Adingra), we have (Yakuba) Minteh. We have great opportunities to start with several options.”
Here’s Brighton’s best XI and bench once all the players are fit...
17. Georginio Rutter - bench
Joao Pedro and Danny Welbeck just about get the nod ahead of Rutter when everyone is fit this season. Another very close call Photo: Paul Hazlewood
18. Julio Enciso - bench
The Paraguay playmaker will be frustrated with his lack of game time in recent weeks Photo: Paul Hazlewood
19. Brajan Gruda - bench
The £25m summer arrival will hope to work his way into the starting XI along with many other attacking options Photo: Mike Hewitt
20. Igor Julio - bench
The Brazilian provides central defensive cover from the bench Photo: Mike Hewitt