Brighton & Hove Albion

Adwaidh Rajan
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Brighton's only appearance in Europe came during the 2023-24 season after Roberto de Zerbi guided them to the Europa League with a sixth-placed finish in the Premier League.

It was the first time in their 122-year history that the Seagulls had qualified for a European competition, which ended with them losing to Roma in the last 16 after topping a group that had AEK Athens, Ajax and Marseille.

On the back of a summer where Fabian Hurzeler spent around £200m on nine new signings and with England earning an extra fifth spot in the Champions League, this season was a great opportunity for Brighton to push for a European spot.

But their 2-2 draw against strugglers Leicester City, who had not won in eight games before Saturday, might have left them with a tall order in their bid to finish among the top seven places in the league.

The Seagulls have now lost two and drawn two of their past four league outings while also exiting the FA Cup after a cruel defeat by Nottingham Forest.

EFL Cup winners Newcastle United and leaders Liverpool are among the six opponents left to come for Hurzeler's side.

But Brighton will believe they are still in with a chance to reach Europe with the duo the only top-half opponents they will face between now and end of the season.

Image source, Getty Images

Fabian Hurzeler spoke to BBC Match of the Day after Brighton's draw against Leicester: "Very disappointed, very frustrating because it was not a mature performance, we were too naive. We didn't act like we should. We didn't deserve more.

"It's not about the chances, it's about defending and not conceding a goal and doing the basics right. Today we weren't able to do the basics right and we were not able to win the game. We weren't able to deal with the second goal we conceded and that's something we can't accept.

"We were not mature enough, were too naive and we have to move on. The season is not over yet, we have to show a reaction because this cannot continue."

Image source, Getty Images

Brighton and Hove Albion have dropped 20 points from winning positions in the Premier League this season, the second time they've dropped as many in a single campaign in the competition after 2020-21 (25).

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

Have your say on Brighton's performance

Foxes fans, what did you make of Leicester's display?

Come back to this page on Monday to find a selection of your replies

If you ever want a game to get back on track, just play Leicester.

They have lost eight successive league games without scoring, and that run is not going to end here.

Ruud van Nistelrooy was a dreadful appointment as manager but I do not blame him nor his predecessor, Steve Cooper, for the Foxes' awful season because there is a deeper underlying problem at the club.

It did not help, then, that the players seemed to think - and probably still do - that they are better than they are.

The fans were expecting too much from this season too, but I doubt that is the case any more, because their team has been so feeble.

Brighton have taken only one point from their past three matches so they need a win to boost their hopes of finishing in the European places.

I have absolutely no doubt they will get it - the only question is how many will they score.

Sutton's prediction: 2-0

Read the full predictions and have your say

Five matches make up Saturday's Premier League action and BBC Sport will bring you every kick.

• Manchester City v Crystal Palace (12:30)

• Brighton v Leicester City

• Nottingham Forest v Everton

• Southampton v Aston Villa

• Arsenal v Brentford (17:30)

Kick-off times 15:00 BST unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

Image source, Getty Images

There are lots of different perspectives in terms of how you watch a game of football, and I think for the majority of time the people in the stadium get the best atmosphere, but the worst views of how a game has actually gone.

You don't really get the chance to see multiple replays and have discussions about things, because you just get caught up in the moment.

With the incoming semi automated offsides, they did promise it earlier in the season - but I think the caveat was they're only going to do it when it's ready.

It is a positive that they didn't do it when it wasn't ready.

One upside to to the new technology is some of the arguments disappear. Previously you could say 'but it looks like it's this to me' or 'it looks like it's that to me'. When it is presented now, there aren't many people that will then be looking at the animation, going back to the video, and then going down a proper conspiracy rabbit hole.

So, it ends more arguments, not all arguments, but more arguments.

I think people, as a consequence, will be more accepting of it.

But, I still do believe that there's things for people to understand, because it can't be used in every situation. There are certain decisions which can still be a little bit more complex, and there's certain times where human intervention will still need to be brought in.

I wouldn't say it's as clear as, say, goal line technology, but it's a step in the direction to where most people feel more comfortable accepting the outcome and the speed of it as well will be encouraged.

It's not to say that it's going to be instant. If you believe this is going to be perfect, and always extremely fast, ask yourself, why do you think that?

Unless somebody has told you that from PGMOL, then take it with a pinch of salt and you see how it goes.

I think it's something that many people have seen before so hopefully there will be fewer arguments.

But, because it's football, there'll always be something to argue about the end of the day.

Josh Lobley
BBC Sport journalist

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Leicester (kick-off 15:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Hurzeler says there are "no big changes" regarding squad availability, but Kaoru Mitoma is a doubt.

• He says there are "different options" to replace the suspended Jan Paul van Hecke in defence: "[Eiran] Cashin will be one for sure, Mats Wieffer has played there already and Carlos Baleba is an option. Let's see how they do in training and make a decision."

• Hurzeler added that a change in formation on Saturday is also a possibility to help replace Van Hecke.

• On Saturday's opponents: "It doesn't matter if we might be the better team, we still have to be the challenger in every game. We have to be ready to make important decisions and it's about hard work."

• Danny Welbeck is now Brighton's top scorer in Premier League history and Hurzeler spoke highly on his influence in the team: "He is a leader on and off the pitch and a role model for his behaviour. I am very happy that he's in good shape. This record is not just because he is a good player, it is because of hard work."

• Hurzeler also gave an assessment of Yankuba Minteh's first season at the club: "He has the right attitude - he tries to work hard and he is a good listener. I'm really happy that he is getting more involved in the goals but that is not the factor that I judge him on, it's about how he influences our game."

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Image source, Getty Images

Brighton have won just 1.25 points per game in Premier League games against sides in the bottom three and have lost more (14) of these games than they have won (13).

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on something no-one is currently talking about at Brighton, but should be.

Here are some of your comments:

Eric: Brighton are on course for record amount of points in the Premier League, plus they have already amassed a record number of points at this stage of the season. Well done lads. We're not a million miles away from a top five season!

Tony: We have still only lost eight games, so we could yet turn this into our best season in the Premier League.

Alastair: With the season drawing to a disappointing close, it's clear Brighton's inconsistency comes from the top. Fabian Hurzeler still doesn't know his best team. He has used more players than any other manager. The only other clubs to have used more are already-relegated Southampton and soon-to-follow Ipswich, while four of the current top five clubs have used the fewest players.

Steve: I believe the AMEX, although a wonderful place to watch football, is becoming a major problem with fans with regard to accessibility to and from Brighton on match days. Trains from Falmer are unreliable to say the least and packed like sardines. Maybe this is the reason season ticket uptake is far lower than in previous seasons despite relative success on the pitch.

Phil: Injuries - Brighton have been plagued by injuries for the second season running. Hurzeler doesn't talk about it which is commendable but Brighton have suffered the most injuries this season by some distance in the Premier League and have had seven or eight players out injured for most games, which is damaging. Three right backs injured for some months has left Brighton playing a central midfielder at right back and robbed the midfield of his qualities. This and other injuries must surely hurt European qualification hopes?

Chelsea are leading the race to sign 19-year-old Sunderland midfielder Jobe Bellingham, ahead of Brighton, Arsenal, Crystal Palace, Manchester United and Tottenham. (Caught Offside), external

Want more transfer news? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Brighton's hopes of European qualification have been dented in recent weeks by a couple of Premier League defeats, which followed the club's exit from the FA Cup at the quarter-final stage.

But is there something you have noticed slipping under the radar? We want you to tell us one thing - good or bad - that nobody seems to be talking about in relation to Brighton.

Let us know your thoughts here

Image source, Getty Images

Brighton midfielder Jack Hinshelwood talks to Albion Unlimited about using the pain of defeat against Crystal Palace to further motivate them for the visit of Leicester City on Saturday: "The loss is tough to take, but we have had a lot of setbacks that are usually followed by good responses, so I think we have to let this one hurt for a few days and then go back to the training pitch, work really hard and do what we know we do best.

"We had chances, they took their two opportunities and they were low blows but we responded well, in the second half we lacked a bit of cutting edge and I think we could have done more to test the keeper.

"There is still loads to play for. This is going to motivate us more. By the time Leicester come we will be raring to go because it's hurt us and hurt our fans.

"Come Saturday we will show a good response."

Full commentary of Brighton v Leicester City on BBC Radio Sussex on Saturday from 15:00 BST

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

Image source, Getty Images

Some matches are sophisticated, exciting and some are boring, but now and again you get the odd one that is just bonkers.

I popped down to Selhurst Park as Crystal Palace welcomed Brighton. Robustly. It wasn't that dirty but it still ended with nine men playing against 10.

The referee had obviously watched Everton's James Tarkowski not being sent off against Liverpool and noticed the referee that night being roundly criticised by everyone, including his own bosses at the PGMOL for not reaching for his red card.

So the man in the middle this time was not taking any chances and the flood of yellows turned quickly into reds.

Oddly I did not blame the officials. It was a tough match to keep on track and there were a load of difficult, marginal calls to make. In the end, nine-man Palace came out winners. Brighton's vague hopes of reaching the Champions League spots melted away in the south London sunshine and the home support celebrated that fact more than any goal on the day.

The age-old British football tradition of enjoying your fiercest rival's failure as much as your own success was effortlessly maintained. The most heartening thing about the entire day was the atmosphere that crackled noisily throughout.

Bigger clubs now bemoan the hollow atmosphere at many of their Premier League games and I wonder if this is at least a part of the reason why the likes of Brighton, Bournemouth and Brentford are above Manchester United and Tottenham in the league table.

Visitors from abroad always want to go to the big stadiums with the most famous names, but more and more often that is not where you will get the most authentic, loudest and most passionate matchday experience.

Sign up to read more from Pat Nevin in his Football Extra newsletter

George Booth
BBC Sport journalist

Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner was an animated figure throughout - constantly moving in the technical area and never sitting down for long periods.

He did generally respect the white line, only leaving his technical area once in the first half, while in the final 10 minutes of the contest he was frequently interacting with the crowd in a bid to help his team over the line.

Fabian Hurzeler spent the majority of the first half outside his technical area, virtually inches away from the pitch, but was seated for most of the second half - despite the three red cards coming during this period.

When his side faced a defensive set-piece, assistant manager Jonas Scheuermann took control of the technical area, with Brighton's players often looking back to follow instructions.

The Brighton manager, with the help of his coaching staff, also interacted with fourth official Sam Allison throughout the game.

See what all the other managers did

The latest episode of Albion Unlimited from BBC Radio Sussex is now available to listen to and download.

Brighton's Jack Hinshelwood speaks about how the defeat by Crystal Palace can be used as motivation for future games, while BBC Radio Newcastle's Sunderland commentator Nick Barnes discusses new signing Tom Watson.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Scott McCarthy
Fan writer

Image source, PA Media

History was made at Selhurst Park on Saturday. the only problem being none of it was done by the Albion.

Crystal Palace became just the third side since the Premier League came into existence to win a game with only nine players.

In doing so, they secured their first double over Brighton since the 1932-33 season.

Given the whole "Seagulls versus Eagles hating each other" only became a thing in the 1970s, you can argue it was Palace's first ever double of the rivalry.

Brighton fans of the early 1930s probably did not care much about defeat by Palace. Just as well, seeing as the 3-0 defeat at Selhurst and 2-0 reversal at the Goldstone Ground took place within seven days.

Losing twice to Palace in a week sounds particularly grim. Maybe we should be grateful these two defeats in 2024-25 came four months apart?

It also provides another unwanted achievement for the CV of Fabian Hurzeler. The first Albion manager to lose two league games against Palace for 92 years now sits alongside overseeing the heaviest league defeat in 67 years.

On the flip side, Hurzeler has also taken 10 points from the two Manchester clubs, beaten Chelsea in league and FA Cup, and overseen six consecutive wins in all competitions - the first Brighton boss to do so in the top flight.

All this suggests that Hurzeler is one of those managers for whom it is sink or swim. Brighton are either really good and secure fantastic results, or really bad and a total disappointment.

There is no middle ground. Which is a bit problematic for a game like Palace away, where most Albion fans would accept a dull draw.

Still, at least it is never boring with this Albion team. Goodness knows what will happen against Leicester next.

Find more from Scott McCarthy at We Are Brighton, external

Everton and Brighton have joined the race to sign Ipswich and England Under-21 striker Liam Delap, 22, whose £40m release clause will become active if Ipswich are relegated from the Premier League. (TeamTalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Crystal Palace and Brighton.

Here are some of your comments:

Palace fans

Andy: The Eagles clipping the Seagulls' wings this season! A great game. It's a shame we will lose Marc Guehi for the next couple of Premier League games but what a trooper Maxence Lacroix is!

Sam: What a dramatic derby! The purest form of digging in, getting your head down and defending with gritted teeth. An unbelievable climax with three early exits - I noticed the score was 2-1 on goals and red cards! An exhilarating game of football - and wonderful to have won it in the end.

Michael: When you can grind out a win like that, when the chips are down, it says a lot about the determination and will to win from the team. We saw that in particular when we lost two players and Brighton were sensing a win. Not to mention what it says about the manager, Oliver Glasner, who has given the team the belief that if they keep going, they can win.

Ben: Palace are riding high, although we do make it hard for ourselves at times! We have quite good strength in depth for once. Though, in my opinion, Daichi Kamada is not good enough. I know he did a couple of good things in this game but he is still not good enough for the Premier League, nor is Eddie Nketiah. The rest of the team is top quality.

Brighton fans

Clive: Three games, three losses. That defines the season and the manager's lack of tactical knowhow. The same excuses. Slow, ponderous and predictable.

Fran: After the last two defeats, you would think that we would be up for it against Palace but it seems we are having problems raising it, even against them! Really disappointing and I'm not sure what the problem is? The players, manager or system? Or all three! We really need to do it against Leicester next week, otherwise our season is over. We need to forget about Europe and just finish as high as we can.

David: Hopeless. No attacking ideas at all. We couldn't even score against nine men. Since losing on penalties in the FA Cup quarter-final, they seem to have lost interest.

John: A totally inexperienced manager. Bundesliga 2 is not good enough for the Premier League. The tactics, motivation, substitutes and man-management is shocking.