'Lion of Judah will strike from the bench!' Brighton fans react to Percy Tau decision at Newport

There's no place in the starting XI for attacker Percy Tau who had to settle for a place on the bench after his recall this week from his loan spell in Belgium.

His legion of fans from South Africa have certainly added to Brighton's social media presence following his arrival and they will hope their hero will make his debut from the bench this evening at Rodney Parade.

There was also a first Albion start for young striker Andi Zeqiri as he partners Brighton's leading scorer Neal Maupay in attack. There's also a special moment for youngsters Max Sanders, Teddy Jenks and Reda Khadra made the bench.

Premier League Brighton sit 52 places above Newport in the league and they will hope to avoid an upset against Newport who have enjoyed their share of cup upsets over the years.

Brighton's starting XI: Steele; White, Dunk, Webster; Jahanbakhsh, Bissouma, Mac Allister, Gross, March; Maupay, Zeqiri

Subs: Sanchez, Trossard, Tau, Propper, bernardo, Veltman, Sanders, Jenks, Khadra

Here's how Brighton fans, including a few new ones from South Africa, reacted on social media:

@rDog50_Quite surprised by the team. But happy to see Zeqiri starting and didn’t expect tau to start but hopefully he does come on #bhafc

@ogoddard21: Potter roulette. Plays a stronger team away vs Newport than home vs arsenal #Bhafc

@Brightonfan: If we take Newport lightly, then we could be in for a tough night ahead simple as that. They have done the cup upset before, so we can’t take them for granted. Am I nervous you bet I am?! #bhafc

@AJWood16: Also the same manager who said many players couldn’t play 2 games in 3 days (West Ham to Arsenal) Very interesting to see the line up against Man City on Wednesday... #BHAFC

@BeingSbilo: Percy Tau will definitely come in the second half. #EmiratesFACup #BHAFC

@AJ_BHAFC: Decent team. Would have just thrown Tau straight in for giggless. Burn not making the squad pleases my eyes. #BHAFC

@SidTheSeagull3: South Africans crying into their Castle Beer with the news Percy Tau is on the bench #BHAFC

@Brightonfan: Was expecting a South African onslaught if Potter picked Percy Tau for his debut tonight, but he is on the bench. If we are 0-0 at half time, hat-trick incoming? #bhafc

@rdugmore: Pleased to see Khadra on the bench. A real talent #bhafc

@JournoHaff: Great to see Zeqiri in the starting lineup tonight. Very strong XI on the whole. Up the Albion! #BHAFC

@khotso_dirane: I can't wait to see Percy Tau in the blue & white colours #BHAFC

@NjovaSiphelele The loin is coming from the bench