'He Has Done Really Well' - Brighton Boss Hints Balogun Could Start Against Arsenal

Published: December 22, 2018

Brighton & Hove boss Chris Hughton has suggested that Leon Balogun could retain his place in the starting line-up when Arsenal visit the American Express Community Stadium on December 26.

The Nigeria international has partnered Lewis Dunk in central defense for the last three Premier League game as Shane Duffy was serving a three-game ban after he was sent off vs Crystal Palace.

Duffy is expected to return to the squad on Wednesday but Dunk is not available for selection after he was sent off for a second bookable offense in the 2-0 loss to Bournemouth on Saturday and this means Balogun could be given the nod to start his fourth straight game.

''What we’ve had in that position are players that have played very well, so whenever you lose one it’s a big blow for the team,'' Hughton was quoted as saying by the official website of the Seagulls.

''Lewis has been very good for us all season and so has Shane [Duffy]. We’ve got him coming back now, but we’ve also got [Leon] Balogun, who I think has done really well. That’s the competition that you want.''

With 21 points in their kitty, Brighton are nine points above the last relegation spot occupied by Burnley.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : brightonandhovealbion.com