Brighton’s first recreation in European soccer was an evening to neglect however tonight’s journey to Marseille guarantees to be a very memorable event.
Roberto De Zerbi’s aspect had been undone at set-pieces and on the counter-attack by AEK Athens, revealing a gentle defensive underbelly that has been a worrying theme for the reason that begin of the season.
Brighton are nonetheless one of many Premier League’s best attacking forces, which is what makes this fixture one of the crucial enticing of the Europa League group stage.
De Zerbi is having to handle his squad by means of the rigours of enjoying Thursday-Sunday, and added his voice to rising issues in regards to the workload positioned on gamers.
“I don’t like before the game to change so many players,” he stated. “If you play with the identical eight or 11, you possibly can play higher. But I’ve to do it.
“Lewis performed in the nationwide staff, then after three days performed one other huge recreation at Old Trafford after which we misplaced him for a vital recreation (AEK Athens).
“I don’t need to put my deal with Premier League or Europa League, we’ve to compete each recreation in each competitors. But we’ve many tough conditions. Solly March final season completed in a nasty method with damage. This season, I’ve to handle him.”
Marseille drew at Ajax in their first group match courtesy of two targets from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and the previous Arsenal striker scored three targets in opposition to Brighton throughout his time as a Premier League participant. Former Aston Villa participant Jordan Veretout is a daily for Gennaro Gattuso’s staff, whereas Moroccan midfielder Azzedine Ounahi caught the attention on the World Cup and has been linked with a number of English golf equipment. This recreation’s Expected Hand Gesture metric may very well be by means of the roof with Gattuso and De Zerbi on the touchline.
