Brighton’s new £25m signing spotted in training ahead of Ipswich and forgotten ace is back after transfer U-turn – gallery
Brighton and Hove Albion returned to training this week following the international break ahead of their Premier League clash against newly-promoted Ipswich Town.
the Seagulls have enjoyed a fine start to the season with wins against Everton and Manchester United, plus a 1-1 draw at Arsenal.
It was enough to see head coach Fabian Hurzeler scoop the Premier League manager of the month award but the German head coach expects a tough test this Saturday against Kieran McKenna’s Tractor Boys.
The expectations are always the same – to go out on a pitch and to show the basic things,” Hurzeler said. “The basic things are what you can influence. Winning personal duels, running more than the opponent, doing more high speed metres than the opponent. These are all things you can influence. That’s what I demand from my team to do it in every game, no matter if you play against Manchester United or Ipswich.”
Here’s how Brighton looked in training this week – including their £25m summer signing and a surprise player back in contention…
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler keeps a close eye on the players during training this week
Thank Evans
Striker Evan Ferguson is back in contention for Brighton after an ankle injury
Ipswich Town return to Premier League action with a game at Brighton & Hove Albion this afternoon. Stuart Watson previews the action.
Ipswich Town will be looking to claim their first victory of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign this weekend, as they travel to face Brighton and Hove Albion this afternoon.
Kieran McKenna’s side have drawn one and lost two of their opening three matches this season, losing to title challengers Liverpool and Manchester City before drawing to Fulham last time out.
However, they face another tough task against Fabian Hurzeler’s side, with the Seagulls unbeaten after wins against Everton and Manchester United before drawing to Mikel Arteta’s side before the international break.
The 31-year-old German claimed the Manager of the Month award for August, further highlighting the impressive start he’s made to life in England.
As for McKenna, he may need to make one brutal call if his side are to come away with all three points from the South Coast this afternoon, dropping one player from the starting lineup.
Why McKenna may drop Szmodics for Brighton clash
Forward Sammie Szmodics arrived at Portman Road in an £11m deal from Championship side Blackburn Rovers during the transfer window – joining with high expectations after his campaign last season.
The Irish international scored 27 goals in 44 league outings last season – finishing the campaign as the division’s top scorer.
He wasted no time in making an impact for the Tractor Boys, scoring on his first start against Pep Guardiola’s City side – earning him a start for the clash against Fulham.
