Brighton & Hove Albion wrap up their pre-season schedule against Bologna on Saturday, with Fabian Hurzeler hoping to head into the Premier League opener against Aston Villa on the back of another positive performance.
The Seagulls have enjoyed an unbeaten summer so far, while Bologna arrive looking to bounce back after a heavy defeat to Pisa in their most recent outing.
Brighton team news
Brighton are expected to keep faith with much of the side that defeated Roma 3-0 in their previous friendly.
Fabian Hurzeler is once again likely to rotate throughout the match to manage workloads ahead of the Premier League season, but several key players should start.
Yasin Ayari and Pascal Gross are expected to continue in midfield, while Georginio Rutter is set to lead the attack.
The only notable absentee is Carlos Baleba, who remains sidelined with an ankle injury.
Bologna team news
Bologna are expected to hand further minutes to several of their summer arrivals as Domenico Tedesco continues shaping his squad.
New signings Mikel Amondarain, Tommaso Pobega and Rahim Alhassane could all feature, while defender Jhon Lucumi, who has attracted Premier League interest this summer, is also expected to start.
Jonathan Rowe is likely to lead the visitors' attacking line.
Predicted Brighton XI
Brighton XI: Verbruggen; Wieffer, Vuskovic, Boscagli, Kadioglu; Gross, Ayari; Gomez, Hinshelwood, Minteh; Rutter.
Prediction
Brighton have looked impressive throughout pre-season, recording victories over Stoke City, Strasbourg and Roma, and they appear well prepared for the start of the Premier League campaign.
Bologna have also shown encouraging signs this summer despite suffering a 4-1 defeat to Pisa in their latest friendly.
With both managers expected to rotate heavily during the contest, a closely fought encounter looks the most likely outcome.
Prediction: Brighton 1-1 Bologna
Key Points
- Brighton conclude pre-season against Bologna on Saturday.
- Carlos Baleba remains unavailable through injury.
- Fabian Hurzeler is expected to make changes throughout the match.
- Bologna could hand starts to several summer signings.
- Brighton head into the fixture after three consecutive pre-season victories.
What's Next?
Following Saturday's friendly, Brighton will switch their full focus to the opening weekend of the Premier League season, where they face Aston Villa. Hurzeler will be hoping to come through the match without injuries while finalising his strongest starting XI for the competitive campaign.
Do you think Brighton are ready to challenge for another European place this season?
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