In the heart of the Premier League's mid-table tussle, Brighton & Hove Albion welcome rivals Crystal Palace to the Amex Stadium this Sunday. With both teams grappling with inconsistent form and eyeing a buffer from the drop zone, this south coast derby promises tension, drama, and perhaps a turning point for one side. Brighton sit 13th with 31 points from 24 games, while Palace languish two points and places behind in 15th. A victory for Oliver Glasner's Eagles could catapult them above their hosts, injecting much-needed momentum into a dismal campaign.
Match Preview: A Battle for Survival
The Premier League's relentless schedule has exposed vulnerabilities for both squads. Brighton, under their steady management, have shown flashes of the attacking flair that defined their rise, but recent draws and narrow losses have stalled progress. The Seagulls' home record at the Amex remains a fortress, with only three defeats in 12 outings this season. They'll rely on their high-pressing game to unsettle Palace, who have struggled to create chances on the road.
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, are mired in a nightmare stretch. Winless in 12 games across all competitions since mid-December's 3-0 UEFA Conference League triumph over Shelbourne, Glasner's side has mustered just three points from nine Premier League fixtures. Their attack has been toothless, scoring only five league goals in that span. Defensive lapses have compounded the issue, leaving fans and pundits questioning if the Austrian tactician can spark a revival before it's too late.
This fixture carries extra spice as a regional rivalry. Historically, encounters between these two have been tight—last season's meetings ended in draws, with neither side dominating. Expect a cagey affair early, with Brighton probing for openings and Palace countering desperately.
Key Talking Points
Palace's New Blood: In a bid to halt the slide, Palace splashed cash in the January window. Jorgen Strand Larsen arrives from Wolverhampton Wanderers, bringing proven Premier League nous and a clinical edge up top. Evann Guessand, poached from Aston Villa, adds pace and versatility, while Brennan Johnson and YĂ©remy Pino bolster the flanks. These reinforcements couldn't come soon enough, with Palace's goal drought a glaring concern. Can they gel in time to pierce Brighton's organized backline?
Brighton's Resilience: The hosts have their own storyline. Despite a solid points tally, they've leaked goals at an alarming rate lately. Midfield maestro Mats Wieffer's absence due to a toe injury will test their control, but Brighton's depth—bolstered by smart recruitment—should shine through. Forward Stefanos Tzimas and winger Solly March remain sidelined, yet Diego Gomez's potential return from a knock could provide a creative spark.
Relegation Stakes: With the bottom half tightening, this isn't just bragging rights—it's survival. Both teams are seven points clear of the trapdoor, but momentum matters. A Palace win would ease pressure on Glasner; for Brighton, three points solidify their mid-table comfort.
Team News and Injuries
Injuries have ravaged both camps, shaping likely lineups.
Brighton
- Diego Gomez (Midfielder): Knock – Doubtful. The Argentine's availability could swing the midfield battle.
- Adam Webster (Defender): Knee – Out. A long-term absentee, forcing reshuffles at the back.
- Mats Wieffer (Midfielder): Toe – Out. His absence disrupts Brighton's engine room.
- Solly March (Forward): Knee – Out. The winger's creativity is sorely missed.
- Stefanos Tzimas (Forward): Knee – Out. Up-front options are thin without him.
Expected XI (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Veltman, Dunk, Igor, Estupinan; Baleba, Gross; Adingra, Buonanotte, Enciso; Welbeck.
Crystal Palace
- Jean-Philippe Mateta (Forward): Knee – Out. A huge blow; his physicality was key to Palace's limited threats.
- Eddie Nketiah (Forward): Strain – Out. The ex-Arsenal man was hoped to fire up the attack.
- Daichi Kamada (Midfielder): Hamstring – Out. Creative hub sidelined.
- Borna Sosa (Defender): Strain – Out. Left-back issues expose vulnerabilities.
- Cheick Doucoure (Midfielder): Knee – Out. Defensive midfielder's absence hampers transitions.
- Justin Devenny (Midfielder): Ankle – Out. Youth prospect unavailable.
Expected XI (4-3-3): Henderson; Clyne, Guehi, Lacroix, Mitchell; Hughes, Lerma, Eze; Johnson, Larsen, Eze.
With so many bodies missing, Palace may lean on debutants Larsen and Guessand from the bench, while Brighton's fuller squad gives them an edge.
How to Watch: TV Channel, Kick-Off Time, and Live Stream
Australian fans won't want to miss this one, especially with the late-night kick-off suiting East Coast viewers.
Key Details
- Kick-Off Time: Sunday, February 8, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. GMT (1:00 a.m. AEDT Monday, February 9 – perfect for night owls in Sydney or Melbourne).
- Venue: Amex Stadium, Brighton, England.
- Referee: Thomas Bramall. Known for fair but firm calls, he'll be assisted by VAR James Bell.
Broadcast Options in Australia
Catch the action live on Stan Sport, the go-to platform for Premier League coverage Down Under. Subscribers get every match with no blackouts, plus expert commentary from the likes of Mark Bosnich. For free highlights and updates, tune into ESPN's Australian edition or follow their live blog.
Internationally: Sky Sports Premier League/Main Event (UK), Peacock (US), and Jio Hotstar (India). If you're traveling, use a VPN to access Stan Sport streams securely.
Predictions and Final Thoughts
Brighton enter as favorites, with their home advantage and Palace's woes pointing to a 2-1 Seagulls win. Eberechi Eze could be Palace's wildcard, but without Mateta, scoring remains a tall order. This match could define both seasons—Brighton pushing for Europe contention, Palace fighting fire.
As the Premier League heats up, keep an eye on this derby for under-the-radar talent emerging amid the stakes. Whether you're a Seagulls supporter or backing the Eagles' resurgence, the Amex will deliver Premier League theater at its finest.
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