The Preseason Thread - 2025/26

Smallbone injured.

 

That one is more believeable.

 

• Ben Brereton-Diaz (Still has realised how **** he is.)
• Will Smallbone (Didn't want more than one Will in the spotlight)
• Joe Aribo (He's off)
• Charlie Taylor (no reason yet given)
• Mateus Fernandes (He's off)
• Flynn Downes (recovering from injury)
• Taylor Harwood-Bellis (recovering from injury)

My theories.

 

Smallbone is injured, according to Alfie House. Same for Charlie Taylor

 

Hope Sesay has a good game as could become the 3rd CDM option as Downes is a bit flaky, though Edwards and Stephens could play there?

 

I thought Sesay is supposed to be a winger.

 

Nope, DM.

 

Downes and THB must be a while away from returning if they aren't in the squad. That will likely be close to the side that starts against Wrexham... worrying.

 

I was hoping today’s line up would give us a glimpse of Still’s thoughts but I guess with all the missing players that was unrealistic. Having said that, my heart sank when I saw Stevens name in the team sheet! I really hope Edwards is in Still’s plans because for me, he’s already a better CB than Jack. QPR fans player of the season last season. My QPR STH mate was gutted to lose him, as were most.

 

Interesting to see how the front 3 operate together. Im happier with Archer out wide I think and a proper focal point.

Apart from that PANIC

 

As per TransferMarkt:

1: CM
2: AM
3: LM

Looks like he has played DM a handful of times for u18s, but it’s not his main position.

 

With Edwards, it's unfortunate that he came back a couple of weeks late, and so presumably has to win the shirt back, and is a couple of weeks behind so potentially needs to get up to speed.

Whether you agree with that or not, but to me, its obvious why he is where is he right now. I too, would like to see him play more, boy looks a talent.

 

Gulp

 

It's better to play their first team than reserves.

 

Is that a certain Kamari Doyle making a rare foray into the Brighton first team?

 

As long as it’s not 4 or 5 - 0 by half time

 

Will Still on the pitch. Doing his Klopp impersonation

 

So if Charles gets injured, we are absolutely f*cked. Can’t believe that once again we are going into the season without enough midfielders.

All I want is a squad with three DMs. Is it too much to ask?

 

5 loan spaces untouched still. I am sure we will have a quality side when the window closes.