Star striker Lucas Joao drops to the bench for Reading's final pre-season friendly against Brighton and Hove Albion.

The Angola international has netted more than 35 goals in three seasons with the club  since his move from Sheffield Wednesday, a fulcrum of attack for Paul Ince's side.

He is yet to find the net in pre-season however, with Yakou Meite scoring in the last two matches.

Returning hero Shane Long also misses out altogether, playing half hour in a 1-1 draw with West Ham United last week but took a knock in an altercation with Issa Diop.

The Royals kick off their Championship campaign in a week's time against Blackpool.

The full team is: Lumley, Yiadom, Hutchinson, McIntyre, Holmes, Hendrick, Fornah, Ejaria, Hoilett, Ince, Meite.

The big talking point for Graham Potter's Seagulls is the inclusion of Marc Cucurella despite reported interest from Premier League champions Manchester City.

The Spaniard has impressed on the south coast since his 2021 arrival from Getafe.

Their full team is: Sanchez, Dunk, Veltman, Gross, Cucurella, March, Lamptey, MacAllister, Caicedo, Trossard, Welbeck