Hasenhüttl hints at changes

The Saints boss has picked the same starting XI in each of the last three matches, in which his side has performed consistently well against Manchester City, Everton and Manchester United, remaining unbeaten.

But the clash with the Seagulls will be Saints’ third game out of four in an 11-day period, and Hasenhüttl, who revealed his players ran a collective 120km at Old Trafford, admits he may be forced to introduce fresh legs.

“There is no injury news – no new ones, but a few tired players which is the bigger issue,” he said, confirming Moussa Djenepo, Sofiane Boufal and Yan Valery remain sidelined.

“It’s a very short time to recover – we had a very intense game, running much more than the opponent (United) – especially when the opponent (Brighton) has two days more to recover for this game now.

“We will still have a very strong squad on the pitch and a squad convinced that they can take something against Brighton tomorrow night. This is what we want to do.

“We have some good lads waiting for their chance, training hard in the last weeks. In the next two games it is quite likely we have some opportunities for these players.”