As the new calendar year dawns, the Amex Stadium sets the stage for a clash of contrasting resolutions as Brighton take on relegation-threatened Burnley.
Brighton currently act as the league’s designated draw specialists. Consequently, they are desperate to find the winning formula that has eluded them throughout a stuttering six-match winless run. Conversely, Burnley arrive on the South Coast with a significant psychological advantage. Despite sitting 19th and six points adrift of safety, the Clarets have remarkably never tasted defeat at the Amex Stadium in the Premier League.
Fabian Hürzeler’s side currently occupies 14th place with 25 points following a 2-2 stalemate with West Ham. Meanwhile, Scott Parker’s Burnley find themselves in 19th with just 12 points after a 3-1 loss to Newcastle. Historically, Burnley have been a bogey team for the Seagulls on the South Coast. They remain unbeaten in their last seven away league games against Brighton. Furthermore, the Clarets have avoided defeat in all six of their Premier League visits to the Amex.
Brighton vs Burnley – Match Preview and Team News
- Date: Saturday, 3 January 2026
- Kick-off: 15:00 GMT
- Venue: American Express Stadium, Brighton
- Referee: Tim Robinson
- VAR: Constantine Hatzidakis
- Last Meeting: Burnley 1–1 Brighton, 13 April 2024, Premier League
Team News
Brighton
Fabian Hürzeler faces a selection headache in midfield. Veteran James Milner is unlikely to start twice in four days because he turns 40 this month. Additionally, Carlos Baleba is away at the Africa Cup of Nations. Therefore, Jack Hinshelwood should step into the starting XI. The Seagulls also have concerns over Yankuba Minteh, who suffered a thigh injury against West Ham. Nevertheless, his scan was fine, and he might feature if he trains well. Long-term absentees include Adam Webster, Solly March, and Stefanos Tzimas, while Mats Wieffer remains out with a toe injury.
Burnley
Scott Parker’s defensive options have been further depleted. Centre-back Maxime Estève was forced off against Newcastle with a knock. Consequently, Bashir Humphreys is expected to deputise in a potential back three. Burnley are also heavily impacted by international call-ups. Axel Tuanzebe, Hannibal Mejbri, and Lyle Foster are unavailable due to AFCON commitments. In their absence, Florentino Luís and Lesley Ugochukwu will likely anchor the midfield. Up front, Armando Broja will lead the line, supported by Marcus Edwards and Loum Tchaouna.
Form
Brighton
The Seagulls are winless in their last six league outings. They have alternated between draws and defeats in each of those matches. While they have lost just one of their last 13 home games, they are currently winless in three at the Amex. Interestingly, three of Brighton’s last six goals have been scored by defenders. Jan Paul van Hecke and Joël Veltman have become surprise offensive outlets.
Burnley
Burnley have lost eight of their last 10 Premier League matches. They are currently on a 10-game winless run. Their defensive fragility is most evident in the first half. Specifically, they have conceded a league-high 18 goals in the opening period this season. Furthermore, they went 2-0 down in the opening seven minutes against Newcastle last time out.
Predicted Lineups
Brighton predicted XI: Verbruggen; Veltman, Van Hecke, Dunk, Kadıoğlu; Ayari, Hinshelwood; Gruda, Gómez, De Cuyper; Welbeck
Burnley predicted XI: Dúbravka; Laurent, Ekdal, Humphreys; Walker, Ugochukwu, Luís, Pires; Edwards, Broja, Tchaouna
How to watch Brighton vs Burnley?
This match will not be broadcast live in the UK due to the Saturday 15:00 blackout rule. Highlights will be available on BBC’s Match of the Day at 22:30 GMT on Saturday night.
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