Crystal Palace v Brighton: Kick-Off, Prediction and TV Information | OneFootball

Brighton vs Crystal Palace: Predicted Line-Up, Kick-Off Time and Match Outlook

As one of the Premier League’s most underrated rivalries returns, Brighton & Hove Albion travel to Selhurst Park for what promises to be another fierce encounter with Crystal Palace. Both sides sit tightly packed in mid-table, with only a point separating them heading into Sunday’s clash. The contest may not boast the glamour of the traditional top-six derbies, but the intensity and local pride it generates are unmatched.

Form Guide and Recent Momentum

Crystal Palace have started the season with a renewed sense of discipline under Oliver Glasner. Despite a few setbacks, the Eagles have developed a solid defensive core and an ability to grind out results, typified by recent victories at home. Their European exploits, however, have added a layer of fatigue, and Glasner will need to balance ambition with practicality after a demanding midweek schedule.

Brighton’s season, by contrast, has been inconsistent. Wins against Chelsea and Newcastle showcased their attacking flair and tactical flexibility under Fabian Hürzeler, yet points dropped against Everton and Wolves reveal an occasional vulnerability when pressed. The Seagulls’ trademark expansive play has at times left them exposed, and Hürzeler will be keen to tighten that structure against a well-organised Palace side.

Injury Updates and Predicted Line-Ups

Palace have been managing a string of injury concerns in recent weeks. Chadi Riad’s return to training offers a timely boost to the backline, though the defender may only feature from the bench. Ismaila Sarr remains a key figure but continues to be assessed for hamstring tightness after featuring in Europe. Both Cheick Doucoure and Eddie Nketiah remain unavailable, though progress in their recoveries suggests post-international break returns are possible.

Glasner’s rotation will be crucial. After fielding a strong XI in midweek, fresh legs could come in — with Chris Richards and Jeffrey Schlupp among those pushing for starts. The energy of Eberechi Eze will again be central to Palace’s attacking transitions, especially if Sarr is limited in minutes.

For Brighton, several absences could shape the line-up. Kaoru Mitoma faces a late fitness test following an ankle injury, while the experienced Joel Veltman is expected to return after overcoming a minor knock. Long-term injuries continue to sideline James Milner, Solly March, Adam Webster, Brajan Gruda, and young full-back Jack Hinshelwood. These setbacks may force Hürzeler into creative adjustments, possibly seeing Pascal Groß deployed in a deeper midfield role with Simon Adingra providing width on the right.

Predicted Line-Ups:

Crystal Palace (3-4-2-1): Henderson; Andersen, Guehi, Ward; Munoz, Lerma, Hughes, Mitchell; Eze, Sarr; Mateta.

(4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Lamptey, Dunk, Veltman, Estupiñán; Groß, Gilmour; Adingra, Buonanotte, Enciso; Ferguson.

Tactical Expectations and Key Battles

This fixture rarely lacks intensity. Brighton’s passing rhythm will clash with Palace’s structured defensive lines, while Eze’s dribbling through the middle could exploit gaps left by the Seagulls’ full-backs. The midfield duel between Lerma and Gilmour could prove decisive — control in that area often dictates the pace and pattern of this fixture.

Hürzeler’s team may seek to press high early on, testing Palace’s ability to play out from the back. Conversely, Glasner’s side will look to absorb pressure and hit on the counter, utilising the pace of Sarr or Mateta’s physical presence up top. Set-pieces could also play a significant role, with both teams showing strength in aerial duels this season.

Match Prediction and Outlook

The margins separating these two are razor-thin. Palace’s heavy midweek workload may slightly blunt their energy levels, but their home record and defensive organisation make them tough to beat. Brighton, meanwhile, arrive fresher and with an attacking setup capable of unsettling any side on their day.

Expect a tense, tactical battle with few clear chances. A 1-1 draw seems the most likely outcome — a result that would reflect both clubs’ current trajectories and the balance of quality on display.