Brighton predicted lineup vs AEK Athens: De Zerbi unleashes wildcards

As Roberto De Zerbi prepares for the Seagull’s first European fixture, here is the Brighton predicted lineup vs AEK Athens.

Brighton predicted lineup vs AEK Athens

Starting off in goal, I would expect the new signing Bart Verbruggen to start. Steele played against Manchester United and we know how much De Zerbi likes to rotate his keepers. He will be covered by a centre back partnership of Jan Paul van Hecke and Lewis Dunk – This is an unchanged partnership for De Zerbi, but it’s certainly his best and he would like to get off on a winning start.

I would expect there to be rotation at right-back, with James Milner coming in. This game is perfect for Milner as his Champions League experience will help Brighton in their first Europa League fixture. Furthermore, it’s a great opportunity to rest Veltmann, who played the full match against Manchester United at the weekend. At left-back, Tariq Lamptey has earned another start, as it could be extensive rest for Estupinan. Against United, Lamptey played the attacking full-back role well.

Billy Gilmour came on as a sub against United at the weekend. This all but secured the notion that Roberto De Zerbi has him in mind to start this match ahead of Dahoud. He will be partnered by Pascal Gross and going forward, the European experience of Ansu Fati will be called upon, as he was brought on as a sub against United. He’ll play the second striker role.

Speaking of the striker, Danny Welbeck also has European experience and played well at the weekend, so he’ll be called upon. Welbeck will be provided by the two outlets Solly March and Kaoru Mitoma out wide.

Brighton predicted lineup vs AEK Athens: Verbruggen, Milner, Dunk, van Hecke, Lamptey; Gimlour, Gross, Fati, March, Welbeck, Mitoma