Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has acknowledged the tough task ahead in quelling the threat of Tottenham Hotspur's Dominic Solanke as his team aims to rebound from their last defeat against Chelsea.
Solanke's recent form has earned him an England call-up by interim manager Lee Carsley for the Nations League clashes with Greece and Finland, after netting in three consecutive matches for Spurs. After conceding four times at Stamford Bridge last week, Brighton's focus is on bolstering their defence for the upcoming game where they host a high-flying side visiting Amex Stadium with a streak of five victories.
Praising the qualities of the ex-Bournemouth ace, Hurzeler remarked: "I think he’s a whole package of a good striker. He is very good in possession.
"He’s very good in making movements in the opponents’ box. He knows how to get away from an opponent.
"He knows how to move against the opponent when he gets defended in a one-against-one situation. And on top of that, he works also hard against the ball.
"He’s the first attacker for them and he tries to lead the opponent to one side.He tries to put pressure on our defenders, and I think it will be a big challenge to stop him."
Hurzeler will have to make do without Jan Paul van Hecke and Joao Pedro for the clash against Tottenham, as both players are nursing groin and ankle injuries respectively. However, there's a glimmer of hope as Solly March, who has been sidelined for almost a year following a severe knee injury sustained in a match against Manchester City, might make it to the matchday squad.
Summer recruit Brajan Gruda could also make his debut after shaking off an undisclosed injury, while the experienced James Milner is back in the mix after overcoming a hamstring issue.