Brighton host struggling rivals Crystal Palace in crucial south coast derby
Brighton search for consistency as European hopes begin to fade
Two struggling Premier League rivals meet on Sunday as Crystal Palace travel to the south coast to face fierce rivals Brighton.
Brighton have won just one of their last 11 Premier League matches, drawing six and losing four, leaving them falling behind in the race for European qualification. The pressure continues to grow on head coach Fabian Hürzeler, who is desperate to see his side rediscover consistency.
The Seagulls have been particularly frustrating at home, with four of their last five league matches at the Amex Stadium ending in draws. Brighton’s latest setback came when they conceded a 97th-minute equaliser against Everton, meaning they have won only one of their last four Premier League games in which they took the lead.
Those dropped points have proved costly, with Brighton now sitting eight points behind the top six heading into this round.
Crystal Palace in deeper trouble despite new attacking signing
Crystal Palace arrive in even worse shape both in terms of league position and recent form. Oliver Glasner’s side are currently on a nine-match winless run in the Premier League, drawing three and losing six.
The arrival of club-record signing Jørgen Strand Larsen is expected to provide a much-needed boost to Palace’s struggling attack. The Eagles have scored just five goals during their nine-game winless streak, highlighting their offensive difficulties.
Their inability to defeat Nottingham Forest in a 1-1 draw, despite playing the entire second half against ten men, underlined their current struggles. However, that result at least ended a run of five consecutive away defeats in all competitions.
Brighton hold slight recent advantage in derby meetings
Brighton have historically found it difficult to beat their rivals, winning only two of the last 13 Premier League meetings between the sides, alongside seven draws and four defeats.
Both of Brighton’s recent victories over Palace have come in their last three home meetings, giving them confidence heading into another tense derby clash.
Key statistics suggest tight contest with limited scoring
Brighton have struggled to find the net regularly, scoring one goal or fewer in eight of their last ten league matches. Their games at the Amex Stadium have frequently seen goals at both ends, with nine of their 12 home Premier League matches featuring both teams scoring — the highest total in the division.
Crystal Palace have also found results difficult to secure after falling behind, failing to win any of the eight league matches this season in which they conceded the opening goal.
Palace fixtures have produced the lowest average number of first-half goals in the Premier League this season, with just 0.96 goals per game before the break.
Players to watch and team news
Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh is still searching for his first league goal for the club despite 18 appearances. However, he has previously shown his scoring ability at the Amex Stadium, netting in four of his last five matches played at the venue across competitions.
For Crystal Palace, Ismaïla Sarr will be a key attacking threat. The winger was directly involved in all goals during Palace’s 3-1 victory in this fixture last season, scoring twice and providing one assist. Four of his last five goals have come shortly before halftime, making him a dangerous presence late in the first half.
Brighton will be without Diego Gómez due to injury, while Palace are hopeful Daichi Kamada will be fit enough to feature.
