Brighton vs Crystal Palace at the American Express Stadium, Brighton for the M23 derby on Sunday, 8 February 2026. The hosts have struggled for consistency this season but will be looking to use home rhythm and ball progression to punish Palace’s recent instability; Palace arrive under pressure after a difficult run of form and injury disruption.
This 2025-26 Premier League derby typically produces tight, low-error affairs — both teams know one moment can decide the game, so expect tactical caution early on and set-piece/transition chances to be important as the match opens up.
Brighton vs Crystal Palace – Date, Time, Predictions, and More
Gameweek 25 spotlights Brighton’s press against Palace’s low block in a Premier League tilt favoring a draw. USA, Canada, Europe, and Australian fans, it’s morning viewing—perfect for weekend drama.
| Match | Brighton & Hove Albion vs Crystal Palace |
|---|---|
| Competition | Premier League |
| Date | Sunday, 8 February 2026 |
| Kick-off | 2:00 PM GMT (9:00 AM ET / 6:00 AM PT) |
| Venue | American Express Community Stadium (Amex), Falmer |
Team News & Analysis
Brighton (hosts)
- Manager Fabian Hürzeler may be forced into a midfield tweak: Yasin Ayari is unavailable, so expect a reshuffle around the centre of the park. Brighton will aim to control possession and exploit Palace’s defensive transitions.
Crystal Palace (visitors)
- Palace remain hit by injuries: Jean-Philippe Mateta will miss the game while the club assesses his knee, and the squad have had other recent absences and off-field disruption which have dented confidence. Expect Palace to set up conservatively and look for counters and set-piece opportunities.
Tactically, the hosts should probe down the flanks and attempt to stretch Palace, who’ll likely sit a compact mid/low block and look for quick forward runs from reinforcements. With both teams lacking cutting edge at times, set pieces and late substitutions could decide this one.
Head-to-Head Record
Brighton unbeaten in last 5 vs Palace (3 wins, 2 draws). Eagles winless in 5 at Amex. Average 2.4 goals.
Last 5 H2H
| Date | Competition | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 11, 2024 | Premier League | Brighton 2-1 Crystal Palace | 2-1 |
| Dec 3, 2023 | Premier League | Crystal Palace 1-1 Brighton | 1-1 |
| Mar 19, 2023 | Premier League | Brighton 1-0 Crystal Palace | 1-0 |
| Sep 4, 2022 | Premier League | Crystal Palace 1-1 Brighton | 1-1 |
| Feb 4, 2021 | Premier League | Brighton 1-0 Crystal Palace | 1-0 |
Brighton vs Crystal Palace Predicted XI Lineups
- Brighton & Hove Albion (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Kadioglu, van Hecke, Dunk, De Cuyper; Gross, Baleba; Minteh, Ayari (if fit), Mitoma; Welbeck.
- Crystal Palace (4-2-3-1): Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Riad; Munoz, Hughes, Wharton (suspended, so Lerma); Mitchell, Sarr, Johnson; Pino.
Hürzeler/Glasner briefings: Brighton Minteh right; Palace Johnson central. Subs: Gomez (Brighton), Eze (Palace).
Key Players
Brighton & Hove Albion
- Danny Welbeck (FW): The primary goal threat this season, leading the team with 9 goals across all competitions as of February 2026.
- Kaoru Mitoma (LW): Winger’s dribbling (2.5 per game) and finishing (5 goals) terrorizes full-backs; creativity unlocks Palace’s defense.
- Yankuba Minteh (RW): The team’s top assist provider with 4 assists in 22 appearances, offering explosive pace on the right flank.
Crystal Palace
- Ismaïla Sarr (FW): Sarr is the most significant threat, having scored 9 goals in all competitions this season.
- Adam Wharton (MF): The “midfield fulcrum” for Palace; he leads the team in assists (3) and chances created.
- Daniel Muñoz (RB/RWB): An essential “dynamo” who contributes heavily to both defense and attack, recording 3 goals and 2 assists this season.
Match Prediction
Brighton’s home edge and Mitoma’s flair edge Palace’s struggles in a tense Premier League scrap, but mutual frailties breed parity—expect shared spoils with second-half quality. Seagulls frustrate, Eagles probe without a breakthrough.
- Predicted score: Brighton & Hove Albion 1-1 Crystal Palace.
Where to Watch Brighton vs Crystal Palace in USA, Canada, Australia, and Europe
Stream Brighton & Hove Albion vs Crystal Palace live with these Premier League options:
- UK: Sky Sports (Main Event / Premier League) — live coverage.
- USA: NBC/Peacock Sports listings vary by market — check local listings.
- Canada: DAZN Canada at 9:00 AM ET kickoff.
- Australia: Optus Sport Begins 8:00 PM AEDT (Feb 8).
- Europe: Sky Sports Main Event; TNT Sports (Spain/Italy); beIN Sports (France). EU-wide: DAZN (Germany).