The Premier League action continues today, Saturday, January 3, 2026, as Brighton & Hove Albion welcome Burnley to the South Coast. Both teams enter the new year desperate to snap lengthy winless streaks, making this a pivotal clash for their respective seasons.
For Brighton, it's a chance to reclaim a spot in the top half of the table. For Burnley, it's a battle for survival as they look to bridge the six-point gap to safety.
Match Details
Competition: Premier League (Matchday 20)
Date: Saturday, January 3, 2026
Kick-off: 15:00 GMT / 10:00 ET / 18:00 EAT
Venue: American Express Stadium (Amex), Brighton
Referee: Tim Robinson (VAR: Paul Tierney)
Broadcast: USA Network (US) / Peacock (US)
The Storyline: Breaking the Winless Cycles
Brighton: Searching for Clinical Edge
Under Fabian Hürzeler, Brighton’s attractive football hasn't translated into wins lately. The "Seagulls" are currently on a six-match winless run (D3, L3). While their recent 2–2 draw against West Ham showed resilience, they have struggled to convert dominance into three points. However, their home form remains a strength; they have lost only once at the Amex all season.
Burnley: The Fight to Escape the Drop
Things have been "spiraling" for Scott Parker’s Burnley, who are now ten games without a win (D2, L8). Sitting in 19th place, the Clarets need a drastic turnaround. Interestingly, Burnley has historically been "kryptonite" for Brighton; they are undefeated in their last seven visits to the Amex, a psychological advantage they will desperately hope to exploit today.
Team News & AFCON Absentees
Brighton Team News
Fabian Hürzeler is managing a growing injury list as the festive period takes its toll.
Out (AFCON): Carlos Baleba (Cameroon) is a significant miss in midfield.
Injuries: Adam Webster, Solly March, and Stefanos Tzimas remain long-term absentees. Mats Wieffer is ruled out with a toe injury.
Doubtful: Yankuba Minteh faces a late fitness test after a "dead leg" against West Ham.
Returnee: Kaoru Mitoma is expected to return to the starting XI after a bright cameo midweek.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Veltman, Van Hecke, Dunk, Kadıoğlu; Ayari, Hinshelwood; Gruda, Gómez, Mitoma; Welbeck.
Burnley Team News
Scott Parker faces an "injury crisis" in defense and is missing key creative outlets to international duty.
Out (AFCON): Lyle Foster (South Africa), Hannibal Mejbri (Tunisia), and Axel Tuanzebe (DR Congo).
Injuries: Josh Cullen, Jordan Beyer, and Connor Roberts are sidelined. Maxime Estève is out with a muscle strain.
Doubtful: Zian Flemming and Joe Worrall are both carrying knocks.
Predicted XI (5-4-1): Dubravka; Walker, Laurent, Ekdal, Humphreys, Pires; Edwards, Florentino, Ugochukwu, Anthony; Broja.
Key Stats & Head-to-Head (H2H)
The Draw Trend: 10 of the last 15 meetings between these sides have ended in a draw.
Amex Curse: Brighton has failed to win any of their last seven home league matches against Burnley.
Late Drama: Brighton has scored 20 of their 28 goals this season in the second half.
Welbeck Watch: Danny Welbeck has seven goals this season, but he has never scored against Burnley in 11 career appearances.
Tactical Breakdown: Possession vs. The Low Block
Hürzeler will instruct Brighton to dominate possession and use the width provided by Ferdi Kadıoğlu and Kaoru Mitoma. The key will be breaking down a Burnley side that is expected to deploy a five-man defense.
Burnley’s best chance lies in the transition. With Armando Broja leading the line, they will look to exploit Brighton’s high defensive line. However, Burnley’s defensive frailties—conceding 37 goals in 19 games—suggest that if Brighton scores early, the floodgates could open.
Match Prediction
History favors a draw, and both teams are currently struggling to find a winning formula. However, Brighton’s superior squad depth and home advantage should eventually overcome a heavily depleted Burnley side. Expect a frustrating afternoon for the hosts until a late breakthrough.
Final Score Prediction: Brighton 2–1 Burnley
