Pedro & O’Riley have big chance: Brighton v Man City team news
Brighton could be boosted by the return of both Joao Pedro and Matt O’Riley from injury in the headline team news ahead of Man City visiting the Amex.
Fabian Hurzeler said in his pre-game press conference that the duo had a ‘big chance’ of making the matchday squad against the club facing 115 charges for breaking financial fair play rules.
O’Riley is yet to feature in the Premier League since his £25 million move from Celtic. The midfielder was on the receiving end of a horror tackle less than 10 minutes into his debut against Crawley Rugby Club in the League Cup second round, causing an injury bad enough to require surgery.
Throughout the recovery process, Hurzeler has heaped praise on O’Riley for his work ethic and positive outlook. He is sure to receive a good reception from Albion fans should be finally make his long-awaited first league appearance in Brighton colours.
Pedro meanwhile has not kicked a ball since the 2-2 home draw with Nottingham Forest in September. That clash with the Tricky Trees was his comeback from another injury, meaning Pedro has already experienced two spells on the sidelines just 10 games into the campaign.
For Brighton to be flying so high in the table having played the majority of their matches without last season’s top scorer is pretty impressive.
The form of Danny Welbeck and Georginio Rutter means there is no pressure on Pedro to come straight back into the Albion starting XI.
Brighton are unlikely to rush back O’Riley either, even if Hurzeler appears to be running out of central midfielders.
Carlos Baleba was deemed fit enough only to be an unused substitute in the 2-1 defeat at Liverpool last weekend. The outstanding Yasin Ayari meanwhile came off injured at Anfield.
Hurzeler said that Ayari was due back in training on Thursday, when a decision would be made. Baleba is also in contention to return.
If both statements are true, expect O’Riley to join Pedro on the bench when the Brighton against Man City team news is announced.
Lewis Dunk and Yankubu Minteh are in “wait and see” territory according to Hurzeler, meaning neither is likely to be involved.
Dunk would then have another two weeks to return to fitness with the international break coming up. If Minteh does not feature against City, the Albion will have a stronger case for him not playing for The Gmabia against the might of Comoros and Tunisia.
