Preview: Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Portsmouth - prediction, team news, lineups

Brighton & Hove Albion are back in action on Thursday evening as they take on fellow South Coast outfit Portsmouth in the EFL Cup second round.

The two teams, separated by just 50 miles, will face off in their first competitive encounter since 2012.

Match preview

All things considered, Brighton have enjoyed a strong transfer window in comparison to some of their rivals, combining shrewd additions with tying down key men to longer contracts.

However, that has only increased expectation levels at the Amex Stadium, something which will not have lowered in light of a 3-1 defeat against big-spending Chelsea.

The Seagulls performed well in their opening fixture of the Premier League campaign, only losing out courtesy of a penalty, wonder goal and a heavily-deflected third which ended the game as a contest.

Despite being on the end of the wrong result, Graham Potter will feel encouraged that his new-look team are heading in the right direction when they seem well prepared to mount a challenge for the top half of the table.

Albeit in a different division, Portsmouth also find themselves in a situation where they are at risk of under-achieving if they do not build on last season's playoff place.

While Kenny Jackett would not have wanted to lose some of the players who have exited Fratton Park, he has made four notable signings, including that of Michael Jacobs on a free transfer.

Pompey have already played three fixtures this season, earning positive results in cup competitions before being held to a goalless draw by Shrewsbury Town in League One.

That stalemate has the potential to stall Portsmouth's momentum going forward, and it may lead to Jackett throwing caution to the wind in an attempt to earn a surprise win on their travels. Brighton & Hove Albion form (all competitions): L

Portsmouth EFL Cup form: D Portsmouth form (all competitions): DWD

Team News

Adam Lallana is missing for Brighton after picking up an injury on his debut earlier this week.

Pascal Gross may be used as the Englishman's replacement, while Joel Veltman is in line to make his debut at the back.

Jason Steele, Dale Stephens and Aaron Connolly are among the other players who should be provided with an opportunity.

While Jackett has spoken about using Jacobs in the number 10 role, the playmaker may make his debut out on the left on Thursday.

Andrew Cannon, Ryan Williams and Ben Close could all come into the team after making appearances as substitutes at the weekend.

Brighton & Hove Albion possible starting lineup: Steele; Burn, White, Veltman; Lamptey, Stephens, Alzate, March; Gross, Connolly, Jahanbakhsh

Portsmouth possible starting lineup: MacGillivray; Johnson, Whatmough, Raggett, Brown; Naylor, Close; Harness, Cannon, Jacobs; Marquis

We say: Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 Portsmouth

With Portsmouth potentially placing more priority on this game than their hosts, we expect a competitive tussle at the Amex Stadium. However, Potter has built a solid squad, and the players provided with opportunities to impress could grab their chance with both hands.

Top betting tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting a home win in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Home Win:data