Brighton host Southampton on Friday night as the south coast derby kicks off another weekend of Premier League action.
The Seagulls have the chance to propel themselves into the title race, moving into second place if they can beat the league’s lowest side.
Fabian Hurzeler’s men have started the season in good form with six wins, four draws and only two defeats, including victories against Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur.
Not a bad introduction from the young German coach.
Embed from Getty ImagesAlbion are unbeaten in all six of their home games this season, their longest unbeaten run at the Amex since 2015-16 while in the Championship.
At the opposite end of the table, Southampton have picked up four points from their opening 12 games.
Saints’ only win came against Everton earlier this month, but they have slipped to back-to-back defeats in recent weeks.
Russell Martin’s side put in a spirited display in last weekend’s defeat to Liverpool, but the visitors have lost their last nine Premier League away games and failed to register a point on the road this season.
Is it becoming an insurmountable task for the Brighton-born coach?
Embed from Getty ImagesBrilliant Brazilian Joao Pedro starts for the home side after being involved in six goals in his last five league appearances (4 goals, 2 assists).
Injured duo James Milner and Adam Webster miss Friday’s game, while midfielder Carlos Baleba is out serving a suspension.
Embed from Getty ImagesEx-Brighton man Adam Lallana is ruled out for “a couple of weeks” after a hamstring injury, Cameron Archer starts for the Saints.
