AliousBrighton’s £30m Star and Ex-Sunderland Ace Tipped for Debuts in Southampton Showdown – Hurzeler Gears Up for Fierce Tactical Duel at St Mary’s!
Brighton & Hove Albion are set to continue their flawless pre-season run this Saturday, August 2, with a high-profile clash against recently relegated Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium (kick-off 3:30pm).
The fixture pits two of the Premier League’s youngest managers—32-year-old Fabian Hurzeler of Brighton and 32-year-old Will Still of Southampton—against each other in what promises to be a compelling tactical contest.
The Seagulls, unbeaten in friendlies so far against Wycombe, Stoke, Las Palmas, and Coventry, are expected to field a competitive XI that blends experience, summer acquisitions, and returning stars.
Notably, £30m forward Georginio Rutter is set to lead the line in Danny Welbeck’s absence, while **former Sunderland winger Tommy Watson** may finally make his pre-season debut from the bench.
Brighton’s lineup is likely to include veteran goalkeeper Jason Steele in place of injured Bart Verbruggen.
At the back, a solid defensive quartet featuring Jan Paul van Hecke—who’s been linked with moves to Newcastle and Spurs—alongside skipper Lewis Dunk, Mats Wieffer at right-back, and £16m summer signing Maxim De Cuyper on the left.
In midfield, Swedish international Yasin Ayari has been in standout form and could be joined by Jack Hinshelwood, with Carlos Baleba nursing a knock.
Up front, Brighton fans can expect to see the electric Kaoru Mitoma on the left, Yankuba Minteh flying down the right, and Danish international Matt O’Riley pulling the strings in the No. 10 role.
New signings Charalampos Kostoulas and Stefanos Tzimas, though yet to feature, are also expected to make cameo appearances in the second half.
With a mix of flair, fitness tests, and fierce competition for starting spots, Hurzeler’s Brighton are poised to make a statement as they fine-tune ahead of their Premier League opener.
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