Why is Jan Paul van Hecke not playing for Brighton against Sunderland?

Jan Paul van Hecke is absent due to illness.

Who are the new center-backs starting for Brighton against Sunderland?

Diego Coppola and Olivier Boscagli are starting together for the first time.

Why is Lewis Dunk suspended for Brighton's match?

Lewis Dunk is suspended after receiving his fifth yellow card of the season.

Home / Sports / Brighton's Defense Shuffled: New Pair Starts Amidst Absences

Brighton's Defense Shuffled: New Pair Starts Amidst Absences

21 Dec

•

Summary

Jan Paul van Hecke misses Brighton's match due to illness.
Lewis Dunk is suspended, forcing a new defensive partnership.
Coppola and Boscagli make their first start together in defense.

Brighton's Defense Shuffled: New Pair Starts Amidst Absences

Brighton's starting lineup against Sunderland features a reshuffled defense due to unexpected absences. Jan Paul van Hecke, who had played every minute this season, is sidelined with an illness. Alongside him, Lewis Dunk is unavailable as he serves a one-match suspension following accumulation of yellow cards.

This situation has led manager Fabian Hurzeler to pair Italian defender Diego Coppola with Frenchman Olivier Boscagli in the heart of defense. This marks the first time this particular duo has started a Premier League match together, with both players having limited top-flight experience so far this term.

Elsewhere in the squad, Yasin Ayari returns from a recent injury to partner Jack Hinshelwood in central midfield. The team also adapts to the absence of Carlos Baleba, who is representing Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations, and Maxim De Cuyper is expected to feature on the left wing.