Instinctive

While this is a big deviation from my usual content, I thought I’d give cricket analysis a go.

Any feedback would be massively appreciated. Enjoy ❤️

Sanju Samson: All Actions 📚 Contents

SANJU SAMSON - ALL ACTIONS

I watched Sanju Samson play in the T20 World Cup to gauge where his career goes from here.

— Excessively leg side dominant?
— Footwork and balance
— The woes of a loopy bat swing
— Calmness under pressure

OUT NOW: instinctivecricket.substack.com/p/sanju-sams... 👈

Brighton vs. Arsenal | Predicted Lineup:

Brighton vs. Nottingham Forest | Predicted Lineup:

The Elite 1k just got a little less elite

Scouting Valentin Barco Will you be my Valentíne, Barco?

SCOUTING VALENTIN BARCO

— Passing and passing range
— Huuuuge red flags
— Mistimed challenges and defending crosses
— Whether his qualities are scalable to a UCL side

OUT NOW: instinctive.substack.com/p/scouting-v... 👈

For the past few months, I’ve had one question stuck in my head: Is Valentín Barco really as good as he’s been made out to be?

Or, in other words, do I want him to be my Valentín(e), Barco? I finally have my answer.

Scouting Valentín Barco | 8:30 AM GMT | instinctive.substack.com

That'll do it

I think there’s a decent chance Milner starts ahead of Mitoma if Mitoma isn’t fit (picture 1).

Dunk’s involvement in training appeared to be limited, meaning you have to bake in some chance of Boscagli/Igor starting (picture 2).

And if both scenarios occur, you have picture 3.

Brentford vs. Brighton | Predicted Lineup:

Jan Paul van Hecke missed out vs. Palace with a “small” hamstring issue as a “precautionary” decision. Hürzeler hopes he’ll be back for Villa.

[The Argus]

Alternatively, we could see:

Brighton vs. Palace | Predicted Lineup:

Scouting Jérémy Jacquet A Lesson in Ground Defending

SCOUTING JEREMY JACQUET

— Skillset and profiling
— Angling runs and getting goal-side
— The art of ground defending 🎨
— Passing range and floaty (weak) lobs

OUT NOW: instinctive.substack.com/p/scouting-j... 👈

Brighton 2025/26 — Squad Depth (post January transfer window) with players [only] in their preferred positions:

Brighton 2025/26 — Squad Depth (post January transfer window):

Scouting João Pedro Analysing a Positionless Footballer

SCOUTING João Pedro

In June last year, I wrote thousands of words profiling JP as a CF, covering historical influences, shooting, box movement, link-up play, dribbling, movement, channel running, and even character analysis/profiling.

It’s aged well: instinctive.substack.com/p/scouting-j... 👈

Brighton vs. Everton | Predicted Lineup:

Scouting Josh Acheampong The Next Big Thing?

SCOUTING JOSH ACHEAMPONG

— Profiling: a generational CB?
— Defending wide areas as a fullback
— Retentive headers?
— Passing and ball carrying

OUT NOW: instinctive.substack.com/p/scouting-j... 👈

Fulham vs. Brighton | Predicted Lineup:

Brighton vs. Bournemouth | Predicted Lineup:

Ferdi Kadioğlu: All Actions FA Cup Third Round - 11th January, 2026

FERDI KADIOĞLU - ALL ACTIONS

I rewatched Brighton’s FA Cup tie vs Manchester United and analysed the good and the bad of Ferdi Kadioğlu:

— Proactive vs. reactive defending
— Set-pieces and two-footedness
— Systemic implications
— Attacking play

OUT NOW: instinctive.substack.com/p/ferdi-kadi... 👈

Ferdi Kadioğlu: All Actions FA Cup Third Round - 11th January, 2026

FERDI KADIOĞLU - ALL ACTIONS

I rewatched Brighton’s FA Cup tie vs Manchester United and analysed the good and the bad of Ferdi Kadioğlu:

— Proactive vs. reactive defending
— Set-pieces and two-footedness
— Systemic implications
— Attacking play

OUT NOW: instinctive.substack.com/p/ferdi-kadi... 👈

Scouting Antoine Semenyo Momentum = Mass (Antoine) * Velocity (Semenyo)

SCOUTING ANTOINE SEMENYO

In this framework led-analysis, I look at what makes Semenyo so threatening:

— Profiling and optimal use
— Shooting and finishing zones + ambipedality
— Deceleration and shooting in stride
— Managing contact; physicality

OUT NOW: instinctive.substack.com/p/scouting-a... 👈

Manchester United vs. Brighton | Starting XI:

bring on Milner + Groß near the 70th minute.

Gómez could also start as the RW, but Gruda seemingly has preference here. I’d be surprised to see Kostoulas start a fixture of this intensity

Firstly, I think there’s a very decent chance Brighton line up in a back three here, especially if Mitoma’s not 100%.

Assuming he is, though, Milner *could* start, but given Hürzeler’s view on connections, I feel like he may go with a similar midfield to the one he used vs. Burnley and…

Manchester City vs Brighton | Predicted Lineup:

Hürzeler on Mats Wieffer and Yankuba Minteh:

“Yeah Mats Wieffer won’t be available, he still has an issue with his toe. (And) regards Minteh, we need to have a look. So it’s still not perfect, but there’s a minor chance he will be available tomorrow.”