Brighton will be hoping for more home joy against Tottenham Hotspur at the Amex on Saturday.

Albion did the double over the Europa League Champions in the league last season, beating Ange Postecoglou’s side 3-2 at home and 4-1 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Since then, Spurs switched Postecoglou out for Thomas Frank and have made a strong start to the campaign, winning four out of their five games played so far in all competitions.

Last season’s success over Spurs marked the first time in history the Seagulls have made back to back league wins over Spurs, giving the hosts the chance to extend history this weekend.

Fabian Hurzeler has revealed that Maxim De Cuyper is a doubt for the match, whilst Jack Hinshelwood has suffered a “ligament injury in his ankle” and will be out long term. Despite the unfortunate news, the German manager claimed his team is in “a good place.”

Given that the Brighton team have had the luxury of rest and recovery with no midweek match, a similar lineup to the team that started against Bournemouth is likely. With the injured Hinshelwood needing replacing, one of Carlos Baleba or Yasin Ayari is expected to come back into the starting 11.

Hurzeler has labelled Saturday’s opposition as “a big challenge,” but ensures that after analysis he has learnt from last weekend’s disappointing defeat against Bournemouth.

Spurs boss Thomas Frank has guaranteed he has not gotten carried away by his side’s fast start, after declaring that he does not look at the table standings until April. He has revealed he shares the fans’ “dreams and hopes” but must “stay level headed.”

Frank told reporters that both Kota Takai and Dominic Solanke are close to returning to action but won’t make it in time for the Brighton match.

The Lilywhites got through a midweek Champions League tie against Villarreal unscathed. It will likely be a toss up between Destiny Udogie and Djed Spence for the left back role, whilst all of

Richarlison, Mathys Tel and Randal Kolo Muani are candidates to start the game up front for the visitors. Newcomer Xavi Simons is expected to start off the left hand side, instead of his favoured central role.

The former Brentford manager was full of praise for his opposite number, stating “ he has a great future ahead of him,” but recognizing that the work he is currently doing for his club is “great”.

Written by Max Pollen