Brighton Vs Crystal Palace
Brighton Vs Crystal Palace livestream
Sunday promises an intense showdown in the Premier League as Brighton & Hove Albion host Crystal Palace at the Amex Stadium in what will mark the 142nd edition of the fiercely-contested A23 derby. Both teams began the season with aspirations of challenging for European spots, but their journeys have taken notably different trajectories. Brighton, while initially impressive, have recently hit a rough patch under Fabian Hurzeler, whereas Crystal Palace, after a shaky start, appear to be stabilizing under Oliver Glasner.
Brighton approach this clash on the back of their longest winless streak since Hurzeler took charge. Three consecutive matches without a victory have seen the Seagulls slip to seventh place in the Premier League standings. This dip in form has raised questions about their ability to sustain a strong push for European football, particularly given their recent inability to capitalize on matches against struggling sides. Last weekend's 2-2 draw with Leicester City epitomized their struggles. Despite Yankuba Minteh's late goal giving Brighton a seemingly secure lead, defensive lapses allowed Jamie Vardy and Bobby Decordova-Reid to strike in the dying moments, snatching two points away from the visitors. It was a frustrating result, emblematic of Brighton's recent trend of squandering opportunities.
Adding to their woes, Brighton have struggled to dispatch teams fighting relegation. Their last home outing ended in a 1-1 stalemate against Southampton, another team languishing near the bottom of the table. This continues a troubling pattern for the Seagulls, who have now gone five matches without a win against teams starting the day in the Premier League’s bottom four. Such results could prove costly in the long run, particularly as the race for European qualification is often decided by narrow margins.
Despite these setbacks, Brighton have maintained an impressive home record this season. They remain one of only three teams—alongside Arsenal and Brentford—yet to suffer defeat at home in the league. This resilience at the Amex Stadium should provide a much-needed confidence boost as they prepare to face a struggling Palace side. A clean sheet would be especially valuable, not just for the result but also for morale, as Brighton have been involved in high-scoring, chaotic matches of late. In fact, they have both scored and conceded in each of their last seven league games. Since the start of the previous season, this pattern has occurred in 37 of their 53 matches—a testament to their attacking prowess but also their defensive vulnerabilities.
The Seagulls’ recent history against Crystal Palace should also offer some encouragement. They have won their last two home matches against the Eagles, a feat they hadn’t achieved since the 1980s. Last season’s 4-1 thrashing of Palace at the Amex remains fresh in memory and serves as a reminder of their potential to dominate this fixture. However, Brighton’s current form means they cannot afford to be complacent. Hurzeler’s side will need to address their defensive frailties and capitalize on their attacking strengths if they are to secure a vital three points.
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, come into this derby with renewed optimism, despite enduring a six-match winless run against Brighton. A few weeks ago, the Eagles were firmly entrenched in the relegation battle, but recent results have seen them climb four points clear of the drop zone. Last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City was a statement of intent. While Glasner’s men may feel frustrated at having let the lead slip twice, the performance showcased their ability to compete with the league’s elite. It was particularly impressive given that City played the latter stages with 10 men, a scenario Palace could not fully exploit.
The result against City followed a critical 1-0 victory over Ipswich Town in midweek, a match that Glasner likely viewed as a must-win given their precarious league position. Coupled with recent draws against Aston Villa and Newcastle United, the Eagles have now lost just one of their last eight matches across all competitions. This newfound resilience will be crucial as they look to steer further clear of relegation danger.
Palace’s away form has historically been a weakness, but there are signs of improvement in this area. They are currently unbeaten in three consecutive away matches and have the chance to win back-to-back Premier League games on the road for the first time since the 2022-23 season. Such a feat would mark significant progress under Glasner, who has instilled a greater sense of discipline and organization in his side.
However, the task at hand remains daunting. Brighton’s home fortress is a challenging venue for any visiting team, and Palace’s recent record against their rivals does little to inspire confidence. Yet, derby matches often defy form and logic, and Glasner will undoubtedly emphasize the importance of belief and determination. Key players such as Marc Guehi will need to step up, particularly in defense, to counter Brighton’s attacking threats.
For both teams, this fixture represents more than just three points. The A23 derby carries significant emotional weight for players, managers, and fans alike. A victory here could provide a springboard for a strong run of form, while a defeat could deepen existing struggles. Brighton will be desperate to end their winless streak and reassert their credentials as European contenders. Palace, on the other hand, will view this as an opportunity to further distance themselves from the relegation zone and build momentum.
As the two sides prepare to clash, the stakes could not be higher. Brighton’s attacking stars, such as Kaoru Mitoma and João Pedro, will look to exploit Palace’s defensive vulnerabilities, while the Eagles will rely on their newfound resilience and counter-attacking capabilities. The Amex Stadium is set to host a thrilling encounter, one that could have significant implications for both teams’ seasons. Fans on both sides of the divide will be hoping their team can rise to the occasion and deliver a memorable performance in this storied rivalry.
