As the Cottagers face the Seagulls at the AMEX, in what could be a match that defines the season for both teams with relegation on the line, this will likely make a nerve racking match. So, with Fulham hoping to catch up to Brighton, closing the gap to just two points with a game in hand, how have the Whites line-up? And how have Graham Potter’s Brighton chosen to start the match?

Scott Parker seems to have switched to a back four in an attempt to end three successive defeats. It looks as though Kenny Tete will start at right back, with Ola Aina shifting to left back and Joe Bryan dropping out of the line-up. The move to a back four, the first since before Fulham’s win against Leicester in in late November, should be a positive one with the Whites aiming to control the game with high possession, compared to recent games, to take all three points back up the M23.

With the centre back and central midfield pairings remaining fairly standard, it appears that Loftus-Cheek will occupy a number 10 role, with Lookman and De Cordova-Reid on either side and Cavaliero at centre forward. Hopefully, this will allow Fulham to outnumber Brighton in the midfield, whilst retaining defensive stability and speed up front. If all goes to plan, Fulham should extend Brighton’s run of Premier League home games without a win even further, as the south coast side’s last came against Arsenal in June 2020.

So, how are Fulham’s opposition lining up?

Brighton have been lacking depth at full-back all season, with Lamptey out with a hamstring injury for the past couple of weeks, they have often deployed a back line consisting of three centrebacks, in this case likely Dunk, White and Webster with wingbacks either side, who would likely be March on the left and Veltman on the right.

In central midfield, Bissouma returns, a player who has earnt many plaudits for his performances so far this season and is often compared to our own Anguissa in stylistic terms. Next to him, will likely be Gross, with Trossard and McCalister just ahead creating chances for ex-Brentford striker Neal Maupay. This formation seems to be more conservative than Fulham’s approach, prioritising defensive rigidity. However, Brighton have the ability to cause Fulham troubles.

With just under half an hour to go until kick off, this will likely be a nerve-wracking and very important fixture. Lets just hope that Fulham come out on top!

What are your thoughts on Scott’s line-up against the Seagulls?