Brighton & Hove Alb ion defender, Leon Aderemi Balogun is poised to return to The Seagulls’ starting line-up for this weekend’s English FA Cup clash against West Bromwich Albion.
Sports247.ng reports that Balogun has been in and out of Brighton’s starting 11 since joining them in the summer from SV Mainz of Germany, but his place for Saturday’s clash appears certain.
In the past, the Super Eagles’ stopper had benefited to injuries to some players and suspensions to rival players, but his opportunity this time out will come due to the coach’s rotation policy.
This much was confirmed by Balogun’s gaffer, Chris Hughton, who stated that making extensive changes to his team for the FA Cup is not about keeping key players fresh for Brighton’s Premier League survival bid.
Consequently, Balogun is bound to get a look in as Hughton, who made eight changes for the team’s third round win at Bournemouth earlier this month, plans to rotate his side again at home to West Brom on Saturday.
Though Balogun’s coach says he is keen to progress in the competition, Hughton admits top-flight stability remains his priority and Cup games provide an opportunity to satisfy players that get limited playing time.
Brighton, who travel to relegation-threatened Fulham in the league on Tuesday evening, go into the fourth round tie against The Baggies seven points above the drop zone, with Balogun looking good to start.
Hughton affirmed: “There will always be that balance and as a manager you have to make decisions, and these are big decisions.
“For where we are at the moment, it’s still very much about stability in the league and picking up league results.
“When you change a team and you use your squad, it’s not always just about making sure you don’t pick up injuries because you know you’ve got a game on Tuesday night.
“It’s about the squad and players that are not in the team at the moment that are training hard every day.
“There is a big value for the squad to keep them involved and for them to be playing some games.”
