Fulham vs Brighton & Hove Albion preview - Tunnicliffe back for Cottagers

Fulham can welcome back Ryan Tunnicliffe for their first home Championship match of the season against Brighton.

The 22-year-old midfielder missed the season-opener against Cardiff and the Capital One Cup tie against Wycombe after being handed a two-match ban by the Football Association.

Tunnicliffe received the suspension and a B#5,000 fine for making a derogatory comment on Twitter about the sexuality of Crystal Palace striker Patrick Bamford.

Fulham manager Kit Symons has a number of absentees to deal with as Luke Garbutt, Scott Parker (both ankle), George Williams (cruciate ligament) and Fernando Amorebieta (knee) are unavailable.

Jack Grimmer is also out of the match after leaving Tuesday's clash at Wycombe on a stretcher, with the severity of the defender's left ankle issue still unclear.

Brighton could add German centre-back Uwe Hunemeier to their squad after signing him on a three-year deal from relegated Bundesliga outfit Paderborn.

Striker Bobby Zamora, who recently rejoined the Seagulls after being released by QPR, is still building up his fitness and is not expected to feature against his former club.

Another summer signing, Scottish youngster Jack Harper, is recovering from an ankle injury and midfielder Andrew Crofts is not ready for a first-team return following his knee problems.

Boss Chris Hughton made eight changes for the Capital One Cup win at Southend in midweek so the likes of David Stockdale, Dale Stephens, Solly March, Sam Baldock and Lewis Dunk - who is a transfer target for Fulham - are set to return.