Brighton manager Roberto de Zerbi admits the Carabao Cup defeat to Charlton is “in my head” as he aims to avoid an upset against Middlesbrough.
The Seagulls will be hoping to continue their strong run in the Premier League in Saturday’s FA Cup third round tie at the Riverside Stadium.
Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough are also in impressive form, winning five of their last six league games.
“They are well placed in the standings,” said De Zerbi.
“It’s definitely going to be a very strong game and the experience of Charlton is in my head. There’s always that image and hopefully we come in with more courage to win the game.
“At Charlton we played well, but maybe there was something because we lost the game.”
Boro are currently fifth in the Championship table after a run of four wins in five games since the World Cup break and while keen to keep his side fresh for a promotion push, Carrick insists he will not put a “weak team”.
He said: “That’s the decision we have to make. It’s not easy. One school of thought is that once you’re on a good run you want to keep playing and keep up the pace and pace. ‘momentum.
“On the other hand, I really appreciate every player and they’ve all played a big part. We’re going to balance it out in one way or another. The team is huge, we have a big month ahead. and we will need everyone at some point to organize.
“We want to win, that’s why we are here. Whatever team we form, I believe in all the players, I believe in the whole team.”
Team News
Alexis Mac Allister could make his first Brighton start since winning the World Cup with Argentina last month.
The midfielder came off the bench in the 4-1 win at Everton in midweek but De Zerbi doesn’t want to take any risks with the 24-year-old.
Danny Welbeck and Deniz Undav are available again after injury, but there are still concerns about Belgian striker Leandro Trossard’s fitness. Central defender Adam Webster remains absent.
Middlesbrough defender Matt Clarke is back in training after a back injury which has kept him out since October but is not yet ready for a first-team return.
Cameron Archer has been loaned out by Aston Villa until the end of the season on Friday, and his availability is unknown.
