Evan Ferguson will start for Brighton against West Ham United in front of the Sky Sports cameras this Saturday, Roberto De Zerbi has confirmed.
The Seagulls manager shared the news at his Friday press conference, and it means that Ferguson will start his first Premier League game since the final day of last season, when he played 90 minutes in a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa.
The 18-year-old has come off the bench in both of Brighton's games this season, as they have picked up a maximum six Premier League points.
The Bettystown native came on for the final 12 minutes against Luton Town on the opening day, and scored the final goal in a 4-1 victory deep into injury time.
He was given 23 minutes as the Seagulls beat Wolves by the same scoreline last weekend, but didn't manage to get his name on the scoresheet on that occasion.
Evan Ferguson gets another chance to shine
De Zerbi's decision to start Ferguson on Saturday is another show of faith from the Italian manager in a youngster that has gotten every Irish football fan excited over the past 12 months.
Ferguson contributed six Premier League goals as Brighton mixed it the English top flight's big boys last season, eventually finishing 6th and qualifying for the Europa League.
He has acted as a focal point within Brighton's attractive style of play, dovetailing brilliantly with fellow attackers such as Karou Mitoma and Julio Enciso.
Roberto De Zerbi has confirmed that Evan Ferguson will start for Brighton against West Ham this weekend. 🇮🇪✅ pic.twitter.com/2WJWUlmoNL
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) August 25, 2023
West Ham test
On Saturday, Ferguson could benefit from the absence of Nayef Aguerd from the West Ham defence, as the Moroccan serves a suspension for the red card he picked up in the win over Chelsea last weekend.
Ferguson's minutes-per-goal rate is up there with the best in the Premier League since the turn of the year, and this game against the Hammers looks like the perfect opportunity to add to his ever-growing reputation.
Brighton v West Ham will be shown live on Sky Sports on Saturday evening, with kick-off scheduled for 5.30pm.
