At a glance
- Line-ups revealed ahead of Brighton vs Wolves
- Solly March is back in the matchday squad
- Lewis Dunk starts for the first time since March
The line-ups are out…
Brighton & Hove Albion return to the Amex Stadium on Saturday knowing victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers could prove crucial in the race for European football.
Fabian Hurzeler’s side currently sit eighth in the Premier League with three matches remaining and remain firmly in contention for Europe despite last weekend’s 3-1 defeat away to Newcastle United. The Seagulls had taken 19 points from their previous nine league games before the trip to St James’ Park and will now look to respond immediately on home soil.
The match also comes just days after Brighton confirmed Hurzeler had signed a new long-term contract, extending the project under the German head coach following an encouraging first two years in charge.
Hurzeler focused despite new contract
Speaking ahead of the game, Hurzeler insisted his focus remains fully on finishing the campaign strongly rather than celebrating the new deal.
“I’m really happy,” he said. “I always felt that we are building something, we started to build a foundation, we keep improving these small things and therefore I’m really excited about what’s ahead of us because I see a bright future for this club.”
The Brighton boss also stressed the importance of maintaining standards and continuing to push forward as a club, both on and off the pitch.
“In the end we want to be a club that is not only known for being well run, we also want to be known for achieving something and winning something,” he added.
After defeat at Newcastle, Hurzeler has challenged his side to show another response this weekend, while warning against underestimating a Wolves side already relegated from the Premier League.
“When you only look at the results that’s one perspective, but you also have to see how they are playing,” he said. “They are well organised, disciplined and they still have players with individual quality who can hurt you.”
Brighton are unbeaten in their last eight Premier League meetings with Wolves, although four of those matches have ended in draws. The reverse fixture earlier this season finished 1-1 at Molineux after Jan Paul van Hecke rescued a late point for the Seagulls in a frustrating performance.
Brighton boosted by returning players
There was positive news on the injury front ahead of Saturday’s clash, with James Milner and Solly March both returning to contention after injury layoffs. Mats Wieffer remains a doubt with an ankle issue and Diego Gomez will also be assessed before kick-off.
Lewis Dunk could also return to the starting line-up after building fitness in training during the past week.
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European race entering decisive stage
Wolves arrive at the Amex without an away win in their last 19 Premier League matches and have scored just seven goals on the road all season. However, Brighton know there is little margin for error with various the teams around them continuing to battle for the European places.
Another victory at the Amex would keep Brighton firmly in the hunt heading into the final weeks of the campaign.
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