Team News: Sofiane Boufal handed Southampton start at Amex Stadium

Mauricio Pellegrino has handed a starting spot to Sofiane Boufal for Southampton's Premier League meeting with Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium.

The 24-year-old impressed from the bench against West Bromwich Albion last time out and is rewarded with just a second top-flight start of the campaign, taking over from Shane Long in attack.

Pellegrino has made two other changes following the 1-0 win over Albion eight days ago, with Wesley Hoedt replacing Maya Yoshida in the heart of defence and James Ward-Prowse coming in for the injured Mario Lemina.

In terms of the home side, who have lost just two of their last seven Premier League matches, boss Chris Hughton sticks with the same XI that helped the Seagulls to a 3-0 triumph against West Ham United.

Hughton had hoped to have Beram Kayal and Sam Baldock in his matchday squad for the first time this season, but both players miss out on selection once again.

Glenn Murray will lead the line for Brighton, fresh on the back of netting a brace at the London Stadium to keep his side away from relegation danger.

Brighton & Hove Albion: Ryan; Bruno, Duffy, Dunk, Bong; Knockaert, Stephens, Propper, Izquierdo; Gross; Murray Subs: Krul, Hemed, Goldson, March, Schelotto, Suttner, Brown

Southampton: Forster; Soares, Van Dijk, Hoedt, Bertrand; Romeu, Davis; Tadic, Ward-Prowse, Boufal; Gabbiadini Subs: McCarthy, Yoshida, Stephens, Hojbjerg, McQueen, Redmond, Long