Brighton and Hove Albion may have no fresh injury concerns ahead of their clash with Southampton this weekend, but they will have to deal with the absence of three senior players.

As reported by the Seagulls’ official website, the trio of Ezequiel Schelotto, Jose Izquierdo and Yves Bissouma will all be ruled out of the fixture at the Amex Stadium, where Brighton will hope to continue their unbeaten start to the season.

After two games, the hosts have four points following a win at Watford and a draw against West Ham. Southampton, meanwhile, have yet to pick up a point after consecutive defeats to Burnley and Liverpool.

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So, how will Brighton deal with their three absentees? Let’s take a look at how Potter has managed his squad in the opening fortnight of the campaign.


Right wing-back

Potter has deployed a back three in both of Brighton’s first two games. Against Watford, he set up in a 5-4-1 shape before implementing a more offensive 3-4-2-1 for the West Ham draw.

What has been prevalent in both fixtures has been the personnel on the flanks; both Martin Montoya and Solly March have played every minute of each of the two outings.

This is likely to continue on Saturday, with Montoya poised to fill in on the right. Schelotto is best utilised on this wing, but while he is absent and Potter’s formula is working, it is unlikely that the Spaniard would have been displaced anyway.

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Wide forwards

Jurgen Locadia and Pascal Gross were tasked with sitting a little deeper against Watford in the block of four in front of the five-man defensive unit. Neal Maupay came on for Locadia and did a similar job, supplementing the Seagulls’ counter-attacks.

Against West Ham, though, more orthodox wide attackers were utilised. Maupay and Leandro Trossard operated behind Glenn Murray for swathes of the game and Florin Andone in the closing stages.

Izquierdo faces a big battle to reclaim his place in the team once he has recovered from injury. Ultimately, Brighton are well stocked with attacking options, and the enigmatic winger’s absence may not be felt too much – especially if Trossard can replicate his exceptional performance against West Ham this weekend.

Central midfield

The engine room of Potter’s team has remained consistent in the opening two games. Loanee Aaron Mooy came on in a more advanced role when he was introduced against West Ham, but the favoured pairing in midfield has been Davy Propper and Dale Stephens.

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As was the case at both Ostersunds and Swansea City, ball circulation from central areas is crucial to Potter’s possession-centric ethos, and the aforementioned duo help Brighton to build up their attacking movements.

Bissouma is a rawer, more eccentric talent, but one that boasts plenty of potential. He gave Saints problems at St Mary’s last season as Brighton fought back to draw 2-2, and the former Lille youngster’s absence will likely be felt more than that of Schelotto and Izquierdo.

What will the outcome be when Saints travel to Brighton?

Brighton win

Draw

Saints win