My lineup for the opening matchday.
The Albion have had an eventful off-season, with many adjustments to the
squad. Club legend Glenn Murray has gone on loan to Watford. Shane Duffy has
loaned to Celtic. Rumors have been circling that Bernardo will also go on
loan. Matt Clarke is returning to loan with Derby County for another
season.
Brighton also signed veteran midfielder Adam Lallana, and Joel Veltman has
been signed from Ajax. January singings Tarik Lamptey and Alexis Mac
Allister have established roles within the team.
Defense
We finished last years' campaign in a back three, and I expect that setup to
continue into this season.
Ben White has returned from loan, and will likely start on the right. Despite
rumors of a move to Chelsea, Lewis Dunk continues as captain and signed a new
contract. His role in the team is vital to our success this season.
The left center-back position is still up for grabs, as Dan Burn and Adam
Webster are both fit for the position. However, Webster received the starts in
pre-season, and will likely continue for the opening day.
Midfield
Depending on the lineup, the midfield could be expansive, or narrow. I believe
Potter will go with a five-man midfield, three on the inside and two out
wide.
Solly March is the main man fit for the left, but Dan Burn can also play there
if needed. March is one of three players still with the team that was on the
promotion team (along with Dunk and Stephens). On the right-hand side, Tarik
Lamptey has emerged as a quick, modern fullback that can wreck havoc with his
pace.
How Potter decides to lineup in the middle of the park will be crucial to the match. We have seen him go with a more centrally advanced midfielder, such as Mac Allister. However, he also has opted for three fairly deep midfielders, each with the license to get forward when the opportunity presents itself. Yves Bissouma and Stephens usually play in a holding role, and will likely anchor ahead of the back three. Davy Propper is not currently fit, and is expected to miss out. New signing Adam Lallana has the potential to provide experience and leadership to the side, and will likely start. Young talent Steven Alzate also has the capability to play in midfield, as he is comfortable and confident on the ball.
How Potter decides to lineup in the middle of the park will be crucial to the match. We have seen him go with a more centrally advanced midfielder, such as Mac Allister. However, he also has opted for three fairly deep midfielders, each with the license to get forward when the opportunity presents itself. Yves Bissouma and Stephens usually play in a holding role, and will likely anchor ahead of the back three. Davy Propper is not currently fit, and is expected to miss out. New signing Adam Lallana has the potential to provide experience and leadership to the side, and will likely start. Young talent Steven Alzate also has the capability to play in midfield, as he is comfortable and confident on the ball.
Attack
Graham Potter will likely see the improved, but still vulnerable Chelsea
defense as an area to exploit, so I expect him to go with two strikers. Both
have the ability to continuously press and force mistakes in defense.
Trossard or Jahanbakhsh could also support a forward, as we have seen in
friendlies, but I doubt this will happen. The two wingers have also shown to
make an impact from the bench, and the gaffer will likely want to have some
options for tactical readjustment. Bringing on more versatile players can
allow for a shift to 4-2-3-1, 4-3-3, or 3-4-3.
Last season I wasn't able to predict any lineups with 100% accuracy- hopefully that will change this time around.
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