After a disappointing start to their European debut, Brighton & Hove Albion travel to France to play the 1993 Champions League winners: Olympique de Marseille. The Seagulls previously lost 3-2 at home to Greek champions AEK Athens, with a João Pedro brace not enough to secure a point.
Embed from Getty ImagesRoberto De Zerbi’s men face a difficult challenge in Group B and will look to secure some vital points away from home. However, the English overachievers are struggling with poor form; losing three of their last four games in all competitions, including a devastating 6-1 thrashing to Aston Villa. Despite this, De Zerbi stated: “I don’t want to start the game with any pressure from the last game.”
Injuries and an overload of games are also a worry for the Italian gaffer: “We are not used to playing so many games in a row. We have to change many players.” Ecuadorian full-back Pervis Estupiñan is the latest victim of Brighton’s injury list after being ruled out for a month due to muscle injury, but De Zerbi reassured fans by explaining: “We can replace that position with Tariq Lamptey and other players.”
Opponents Marseille come from a 3-2 loss to Monaco in Ligue 1 and a 3-3 in their opening Europa League game against Ajax. Fellow Italian manager, Gennaro Gattuso will be making his home debut as the French side’s manager.
Will the Seagulls finally achieve their first ever European tournament victory?
