Brighton lineup vs. Brentford: Predicted XI for festive encounter in the Premier League

Brighton & Hove Albion manager Fabian Hurzeler is close to welcoming back many first-team players ahead of the visit of Brentford to the Amex on Friday.

The most important of those current absentees is Danny Welbeck, who has been struck down with injury over the past month or so, and is struggling to get back to full fitness.

Welbeck returned from a brief absence to play 25 minutes against Leicester a few weeks ago, but has been out injured again for their past two matches.

Adam Webster has missed a lengthy period of time with a hamstring injury but is almost close to a return, along with Jack Hinshelwood (knee) and Ferdi Kadioglu (foot), who have both just missed out on comebacks in recent weeks.

Brighton supporters will also be delighted to hear that Solly March is very close to a return after over a year out with a knee injury, with the winger taking part in full training over the past week.

James Milner is the one confirmed absentee, while Mats Wieffer may also miss out after sustaining a knock shortly after scoring away to West Ham United at the weekend.

Defender Joel Veltman returned to the side after injury at the London Stadium, replacing Tariq Lamptey, who had a tough afternoon against Crystal Palace recently, but Matt O'Riley was only an unused sub following his return to the squad at the weekend too.

Brajan Gruda was handed his full Premier League debut by Hurzeler following his move from Mainz over the summer, but with Yankuba Minteh and Simon Adingra both looking to break back into the team, the new recruit could drop out again.

Brighton & Hove Albion possible starting lineup: Verbruggen; Veltman, Van Hecke, Dunk, Estupinan; Baleba, Ayari; Minteh, Joao Pedro, Mitoma; Ferguson

Click here to see how Brentford could line up for this encounter.