The Amex Stadium prepares for a high-stakes edition of the M23 derby this Sunday afternoon as Brighton and Crystal Palace look to banish recent struggles and claim local bragging rights.
Both clubs enter the second derby of the campaign in search of a much-needed “reset”. Fabian Hürzeler’s Seagulls have become the division’s draw specialists. Their 10 stalemates represent the highest tally in the Premier League this season. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace are currently enduring a dismal nine-match winless run. This form leaves Oliver Glasner’s side in 15th place and glancing nervously at the relegation zone. Only two points separate the rivals in the table.
Brighton vs Crystal Palace – Match preview and team news
- Date: Sunday, 8 February 2026
- Kick-off: 14:00 GMT
- Venue: American Express Stadium, Brighton
- Referee: Thomas Bramall
- VAR: James Bell
- Last Meeting: Crystal Palace 0–0 Brighton (9 Nov 2025), Premier League
Team News
Brighton
Fabian Hürzeler confirmed that midfielder Diego Gomez is back and available for selection. However, Yasin Ayari will miss out with a shoulder injury sustained last weekend. Mats Wieffer remains sidelined with a toe problem but is nearing a return. The Seagulls continue to be without long-term absentees Solly March, Adam Webster, and Stefanos Tzimas. Joel Veltman is expected to start at right-back over Ferdi Kadıoğlu.
Crystal Palace
The Eagles welcome back Adam Wharton after he served a one-match suspension. However, Eddie Nketiah is set to miss out with an injury. Cheick Doucouré (knee), Justin Devenny (ankle), and Daichi Kamada (muscle) are also unavailable. Ismaïla Sarr is expected to start in attack. Sarr has scored nine goals in all competitions this season.
Form
Brighton
The Seagulls have proved difficult to beat at home recently. Notably, Brighton have lost just two of their last 20 league games at the Amex. Only Liverpool and Arsenal have lost fewer home matches over the last two seasons. However, finding victories remains a challenge for Hürzeler’s side. Since December, they have earned just nine points in the Premier League.
Crystal Palace
Palace arrive on the South Coast struggling for a clinical edge. Notably, the Eagles have underperformed their Expected Goals (xG) by over eight goals since Matchday 16. This represents the worst finishing differential in the entire league. Seven of the last 13 Premier League meetings between these sides have ended in draws. Ismaïla Sarr remains their primary threat, having scored twice on his last visit to the Amex.
Predicted Lineups
Brighton Predicted XI: Verbruggen; Veltman, Van Hecke, Dunk, De Cuyper; Gomez, Baleba, Gross; Rutter, Welbeck, Mitoma
Crystal Palace Predicted XI: Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Riad; Munoz, Hughes, Wharton, Mitchell; I. Sarr, Pino, Johnson
How to Watch Brighton vs Crystal Palace?
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event. Coverage begins at 13:00 GMT.
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