The Seagulls are heading into Saturday’s clash on the back of four victories and some solid displays in their last five games
Brighton & Hove Albion return to Premier League action for the first time in three weeks on Saturday, making the journey to Turf Moor to face second-bottom Burnley.
The Seagulls have bounced back after a six-game winless run by winning four of their last five Premier League games, including victories against Liverpool and Arsenal.
Brighton are pushing for a top-seven finish in their bid to secure European qualification ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
The South Coast side’s primary concern ahead of the Saturday kick-off centres on the absence of Lewis Dunk, who is beginning a two-game stint on the sidelines.
The 34-year-old defender collected his 10th caution of the campaign during the Albion’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Liverpool at the Amex, triggering an automatic suspension.
In addition to missing the trip to Lancashire, Dunk will also be unavailable for next weekend’s reunion with former coach Roberto De Zerbi at Tottenham Hotspur. Olivier Boscagli is expected to deputise in the heart of the defence, having impressed in his limited starting opportunities throughout the current season.
Fabian Hürzeler addressed the captain’s absence during his Friday morning press conference, viewing it as a natural part of the squad’s evolution.
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“I always said through the whole season, the players will get their chance. They just have to make sure they are ready when the chance is there,” Hürzeler said.
The German head coach emphasised that the current situation provides a platform for fringe players to reassert their value to the team.
“Now the opportunity is there. Lewis will be suspended for two games and that means there are opportunities for others. That is what football is about.”
Mitoma returns with international momentum
The Seagulls head into the final two months of the season with a nearly full-strength squad, as the vast majority of their international contingent returned to the South Coast without fresh fitness concerns.
The standout performer of the break was undoubtedly Kaoru Mitoma, who secured a historic 1-0 victory for Japan over England at Wembley with a clinical late finish.
Having only been fit enough for a substitute appearance against Liverpool last month, the winger is now pushing for a return to the starting line-up.
Meanwhile, Jack Hinshelwood, who has been managing a knee issue that forced his withdrawal from the England Under-21 squad last week, is expected to be fit to feature from the off.