Brentford vs Brighton & Hove Albion preview - Macleod unavailable for Bees

Posted Friday, January 02, 2015 by PA

Brentford new boy Lewis Macleod will have to watch from the sidelines when they host Brighton in the FA Cup.

Scotland Under-21 midfielder Macleod has joined the Bees for an undisclosed fee from Rangers but will not be eligible to play at the weekend.

Boss Mark Warburton is poised to make one or two changes which could mean a first start of the season for winger Sam Saunders, who has made three substitute appearances - and scored two goals - since returning from a long-term knee injury.

Right-back Alan McCormack (ankle) and striker Scott Hogan (knee) remain in the treatment room.

New Brighton manager Chris Hughton has a much-changed squad for his first game in charge.

The Seagulls have lost Darren Bent, Greg Halford, Gary Gardner and Elliott Bennett, who have all returned to their parent clubs following the end of their loan spells.

Hughton can welcome back midfielder Jake Forster-Caskey, who missed Monday night's 2-0 win at Fulham through illness.

But skipper Gordon Greer remains a doubt with a knee injury, fellow defender Bruno completes a three-match ban and Kazenga LuaLua, Andrew Crofts (both knee) and Dale Stephens (ankle) are still absent.