Starting XI: Proper Footy’s Back – Is This The Team We’ll Line Up With Today?

Man, that three week break seemed to take forever. It's ridiculous to have such a long break just as we're getting started, and predictably some players have picked up knocks which will rule them out for the foreseeable. Still, the break's given Le Bris some valuable time with a key core who didn't go away – Xhaka, Mukiele, Meunier, Le Fee and Reinildo – and that could be really important over the coming weeks. Today, we kick off what will be a testing couple of months, and here's how I think we'll line up against a Brighton team who've deservedly been praised for their excellent start to the season

While Roef's league stats look bad this season for the number of goals he's conceded versus shots saved, he's done ok – although he should have done better with two or three of Man City's goals last time out. Roefs has set high standards for himself, and will be looking to kickstart his season today with a solid display.

Defence: Nordi Mukiele, Kevin Danso, Omar Alderete, Dayann Methalie

Ballard's injury opens the door up for someone to come into the team – but who will it be. Feasibly, Hume or Meunier could play at right back and Nordi play centrally, however I do think we've missed the balance of the left footer on the left of the central pairing, so after proving his fitness during the international fixtures Alderete could come in to partner Kevin Danso at the back. While it's a shame Ballard has picked up his injury I don't think he looks convincing on the left hand side, and it's been interesting he's been asked to do that role, rather than Danso. I reckon Mukiele will keep his place at right back, while Dayann Methalie could keep his place at left back after an excellent Premier League debut at the Etihad last time out. The only curve ball there may be that Reinildo's been at the AOL for the last few weeks and Methalie's been off on internationals – but given the nature of the game today I think Methalie's attacking instincts could be valuable.

Midfield: Thomas Meunier, Enzo Le Fee, Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki, Nilson Angulo

The midfield central three picks itself – as long as the concerns over Sadiki's fitness don't amount to anything – so it's the wide positions that create some intrigue, as always. I think we'll go with Meunier on the right, and this will give us some tactical flexibility as he can either drop back a little to create a five – which would free Angulo up in this instance to join the attack, or cover Nordi when he attacks if we're in a four. Either way, I think it's nailed on he starts. On the left, Angulo's been impressive in the main this season and I can't see him sitting this one out – although with Fofana breathing down his neck he's got to keep up his performance levels.

It's such a shame Brobbey picked up an injury, particularly after having probably his best game for us against City. That said, it's a big opportunity for Wilson Isidor to really get stuck into the action, and he's fresh off some impressive performances for Haiti over the past few weeks.