Unexpected absence explained to Brighton in Marseille
he was a notable absence as Roberto De Zerbi named the starting lineup against Marseille in the Europa League
It was a historic day for Brighton as they began their first away matchday in the Europa League, but Roberto De Zerbi’s side are also desperate for three points to start their Group B campaign.
Albion lost their opening match 3-2 to AEK Athens at the Amex Stadium two weeks ago and a defeat in the south of France would significantly reduce their chances of progressing to the last 16.
Brighton are sixth in the Premier League, but De Zerbi’s team has not been in their best form recently. They lost 1-0 to Chelsea in the Carabao Cup in midweek and were then beaten 6-1 last Saturday at Aston Villa.
There were a number of poor displays and the midfield – following the exits of Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister – has become a problem area as De Zerbi searches for his ideal combination.
Gilmour and teenager Jack Hinshelwood started at Viila but Gilmour seems to have paid the price as he drops to bench in Marseille. Pascal Gross returns from injury and he will line-up alongside Mo Dahoud – who was on the bench at Villa Park.
De Zerbi said: “Dahoud is the same (important). He is playing with Pascal today but Billy Gilmour as well is another important player.
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There were five changes in total for Albion as Barcelona loanee Ansu Fati started in the number 10 role, while Jan Paul van Hecke, Tariq Lamptey, Gross and Dahoud all came on.
Lewis Dunk made his Europa League debut after missing the loss to AEK due to injury.
Brighton XI:
Steele, Lamptey, Van Hecke, Dunk, Veltman; Dahoud, Gross; Mars, Mitoma, Fati; Welbeck. Submarine:
Verbruggen, Igor, Webster, Joao Pedro, Gilmour, Baleba, Adingra, Ferguson, McGill, Buonanotte, Hinshelwood.
Marseille XI:
Pau Lopez, Clauss, Mbemba, Balerdi, Murillo, Rongier, Veretout, Ndiaye, Harit, Correa, Aubameyang. Tàu ngầm:
Vitor Oliveira, Renan Lodi, Meite, Sarr, Nadir, White, Sixty, Tunkadi, Caprice.
