Two away trips out of three already this season, make it a third as we head back down south this weekend to the Sussex coast and Brighton. Unbeaten so far, a late winner at City Ground, followed by a more convincing cup win just a few days later, then a battling second half performance to earn a point against Brentford at Elland Road, coming from behind to level it at 1-1. Four points from two isn't a bad return, and this team has already shown character, adaptability and determination so far.
The elephant in the (physio) room is Joe Rodon’s hamstring. Farke confirmed himself in the pre-Brighton presser that it's a serious hamstring injury, eight to ten weeks out. That's a proper blow. Rodon and Bijol have been the spine of this defence and losing him for the best part of two months is a setback that can knock the stuffing out of a good start if we're not careful. Elvedi looks the straight swap, though don't be shocked if Farke shuffles Justin inside instead if he fancies more legs against a Brighton front line that loves running in behind.
Deadline day at least gave us something to be cheerful about. Melvin Bard in from Nice adds proper experience at left-back and more cover at centre back, even if he's not first pick straight away, and Bahoya arrives as the kind of exciting, unproven attacking punt Farke admitted he'd wanted more of. Neither will start Saturday probably, but both are eligible, and the squad's a bit deeper than it was a week ago which matters given the Rodon news.
Brighton come into this off the back of a mad one, beaten 4-3 by Chelsea in a game with goals flying in from minute four, after putting four past Villa the week before that. So they can be got at defensively if we're brave enough, question is whether we've got the legs and discipline to do it away from home, because our record at the Amex has been grim for years and Farke wasn't shy about saying so himself.
Hurzeler's getting a lot of credit for what he's building down there and the bookies have them fairly clear favourites, something like 56% to our 23%, with the rest going to the draw. We can't really argue with that, a manager with a clear idea of how he wants to play, and a front line that can hurt anyone on its day. The back line from Trafford to Bijol, Muharemović and Elvedi will need to be well up for it Saturday, they are likely to be tested as much, if not more that they were against Brentford last week.
But they have new signings still bedding in too, the margins are narrow and it could go either way. A new back three will be a concern, but we've shown we can fight our way back into games already this season. Calvert-Lewin's late leveller against Brentford after the break came from us being second-best for 45 minutes and Farke changing things at half-time, so there's clearly a plan B in there if it's needed again. The key is for the likes of Aaronson, Okafor, Wilson, James and even Bahoya getting in behind a high Brighton line and creating chances. Don’t write us off.
Stream games in safety! Get NordVPN with up to 75% off + 3 months free.
