Brighton have restarted the Premier League well following the World Cup break and have six points from three matches to show for their recent work. Albion are currently eighth in the league standings and this Saturday they face one of the sternest tests in world football as they welcome Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool to the Amex Stadium. The Reds are slightly off the pace this season but the likes of Mo Saleh, Darwin Nunez and Trent Alexander-Arnold are more than capable of causing any teams problems on their day.
All the while, in the background, the transfer window remains open – which can be disruptive, especially as teams circle Brighton trying to lure away their prize assets such as Alexis Mac Allister, Moises Caicedo and Leo Trossard. De Zerbi however is also keen to add to the squad with a number of names already being closely linked.
Here's how Albion's starting XI could look after the January window – if the transfer gossip is true...
5. Solly March - M
De Zerbi has installed confidence in the Albion midfielder and he is playing the best football of is career. Looks a goal threat these days Photo: Stu Forster
6. Alexis Mac Allister - M
Plenty of speculation here but he insists he is in no rush to leave and looks set to stay until the summer at least - unless of a crazy money bid arrives! Photo: Stu Forster
7. Pascal Gross - M
Undroppable at the moment. De Zerbi is a huge fan and the experienced German is repaying him with classy displays Photo: Mike Hewitt
8. Davide Frattesi
The 23-year-old Italy international knows De Zerbi well from their time together at Sassuolo. The midfielder is a wanted by Roma and has also been on the radar of Tottenham boss Antonio Conte. He would be a fine signing for Brighton and an ideal addition - if Moises Caicedo exits this January to Liverpool or Chelsea Photo: Gabriele Maltinti