Following three wins on the bounce we face familiar opponents in Brighton full of confidence this weekend, but in a slightly different setting to last time we met.
Brighton are a plucky side and have picked up 4 points in 5 so far this season. Like us, they’ve made a few much needed additions to the first team, but the core of their team that saw them promoted from the Championship has largely stayed the same.
With this in mind and their performances so far, here’s three players we think NUFC will need to watch our for on Sunday:
Pascal Gross
The German number 10 arrived from Ingolstadt over the summer and has stood out for Brighton whenever i’ve watched them. He created more chances than any other player in the Bundesliga last season and scored two in Brighton’s last home game at the Amex, helping them to a 3-1 win over West Brom.
It’s been highlighted that only Liverpool’s James Milner has covered more ground than Gross so far this season, so he looks to be industrious off the ball and intelligent on it. He’s been directly involved in every goal they’ve scored so far this season so will be one to keep quiet.
Anthony Knockaert
Last season’s Championship player of the year may not have hit the ground running in the top flight, but after 15 goals and 8 assists last season we’ve seen first hand what he’s capable of.
To my surprise, he was a substitute in Brighton’s opening two games but has started all three since. Paul Dummett got the better of him when we met last season, but it looks like Chancel Mbemba will be handed that task on Sunday. It would be a big help if we can keep him quiet again.
Lewis Dunk
A big unit and one of Brighton’s top performers thus far by all accounts. He’s dominant in both boxes and, from a conversation I’ve had with a Brighton fan recently, he’s more than capable of turning defence into attack with some 60-yard passes.
Jamaal Lascelles has had some joy in the air at both ends in the last few weeks and the 6ft 4′ Dunk will more than likely be the man contesting with him.
