Brighton & Hove Albion

Noel Sliney
BBC Sport senior journalist

Crystal Palace have regained momentum with three successive wins across as many competitions and are a point ahead of fierce rivals Brighton & Hove Albion heading into Sunday's Premier League meeting (14:00 GMT). BBC Sport looks at some of the talking points going into the game.

Palace back on a roll

Palace initially struggled to regroup after their 19-match unbeaten run was ended away to Everton a month ago. But after four games without a win, they have rebuilt confidence by beating Liverpool in the Carabao Cup and then Brentford in the league before turning on the style during Thursday's 3-1 European victory over Dutch side AZ.

An unrelenting fixture schedule has left little time for manager Oliver Glasner to work with the squad on the training ground and the Austrian admits his main focus is on rest and recovery. "We have to be careful in the training sessions they don't sprint too much because they have to sprint in the games," he said. "We have to prioritise."

Despite the limited time to train, Crystal Palace remain as well drilled as ever under Glasner.

They average less possession than any Premier League side bar Burnley, but their ruthless counter-attacking style continues to provide high-quality chances – the Eagles rank top for expected goals.

Both Palace and Brighton also rank in the Premier League top five this season for shots on target and big chances scored, only trailing clubs with vastly superior resources.

The Eagles are unbeaten in 11 home league games (W6, D5), their longest run since an 18-match streak in the Championship between September 2012 and March 2013.

They beat Brighton home and away last season, with the latter encounter at Selhurst Park in April ending with three red cards: two for Palace and one for Albion.

Hurzeler understand fixture's meaning to fans

Brighton, though, haven't suffered consecutive away defeats in this fixture since the 1985-86 and 1986-87 seasons. Current head coach Fabian Hurzeler said he understood the importance of games against Crystal Palace "from the first second" when he attended a 1-1 draw between the sides two seasons ago.

He believes his Brighton team started too passively in both fixtures last season and added: "You can't promise wins but you can promise that you will leave your heart on the pitch. That is what we try to do on Sunday."

With the countdown to the Celebrity Traitors final under way, we asked you which Brighton player or manager - past or present - would make the best traitor and faithful.

Here are some of your comments:

Martin: Traitor would be Danny Welbeck as no-one would suspect him. Faithful would be Lewis Dunk as he could not be a traitor - too loyal.

Greg: Tony Bloom would be great. Either spotting the traitors or, even better, using his poker face to manipulate the faithfuls as a traitor.

Gary: For the three traitors, look no further than three ex-managers who all left in an underhand manner. Gus Poyet, who applied for other jobs while still a Brighton manager. Graham Potter, who left for Chelsea and took the entire coaching staff with him. Roberto de Zerbi, who left over recruitment disagreements despite understanding the club's policy. For a faithful, look no further than Kaoru Mitoma, who loves it at Brighton turning down Saudi money to stay loyal to the Albion.

David: There can only be one traitor - Potter. Chelsea waved their cheque book and he ran as fast as he could. Joao Pedro, for the same reason, must be a close second. Faithful - look no further than Dunk. One-club man who has been the rock for so many years and long may he continue in whatever role possible.

You can watch the final of The Celebrity Traitors live from 21:00 GMT on BBC iPlayer

Millie Sian
BBC Sport journalist

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park (kick-off 14:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• On injury news, Hurzeler said he feels like he needs a list at the moment "because there are quite a lot". James Milner, Brajan Gruda and Jack Hinshelwood are still unavailable because of injury.

• On a more positive note, Joel Veltman will be available after recovering from a calf injury. It will be more of a 50-50 decision regarding Kaoru Mitoma, who is "very close" to his return from an ankle injury.

• Hurzeler added: "We will have to monitor how Kaoru is doing in our training sessions and how he is doing over the next two days, then we can have another look." He did not want to completely rule out the left winger.

• When asked about the importance of the 'A23 derby', he replied: "I understood from the first second. We have to promise the supporters we will try to do everything to win it. At the end of the day, you cannot promise wins but you can promise to leave your heart on the pitch."

• There is one point separating Brighton and Crystal Palace at the moment, but Hurzler is not "worrying about the table too much at the minute" and he is instead focused on "controlling emotions" of the derby.

• He added: "It's going to be really important to be in the right place mentally. If you're too emotional, you can't make the right decisions. If you're not emotional enough, you won't be committing to duels or keeping your intensity up. We need to find the right balance."

• Palace's development under Oliver Glasner has been "impressive" and he has "a lot of respect" for the Austrian manager.

• On what he expects from the Eagles, Hurzeler said: "They are very stable. They are difficult to beat. They don't concede a lot of goals. They seem to have a consistent starting XI so they can build lots of connections on the pitch, which is a huge advantage for them."

• He added: "We will fight for another clean sheet. We will need to defend set-pieces well and do well with our counter-pressing because they are really strong when they win the ball. They try to attack fast with their wingers and they are one of the best set-piece teams."

• When asked if he would swap Danny Welbeck for Jean-Philippe Mateta, he replied: "I wouldn't swap him for any player in the world. He is a great leader beside the pitch and a great role model so we are very blessed that he is here. He is in outstanding condition, so no I wouldn't change him."

• The squad have done a show of hands on whether Welbeck should receive an England call-up and "every hand went up".

Hear more from Hurzeler on BBC Sounds

Follow all of Thursday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Listen to commentary of Crystal Palace v Brighton on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 3 at 14:00 on Sunday

Image source, BBC/Studio Lambert

Challenges. Leaders and followers. Tactics. Second guessing and wondering where to turn next.

This could be any game of football in the Premier League this weekend.

It is also the plot to any episode of BBC's hit show - The Traitors.

The countdown to the end game of the Celebrity series is on, but, while we wait for that, we want to know which Brighton player (or manager) - past or present - you think would make the best traitor, and who would be more suited to the role of a faithful.

Was it the way they could appear at the back post without anyone noticing? Or could they stop anybody getting past them?

Get in touch with your choices and the reasons why here

The Celebrity Traitors final will air on Thursday, 6 November on BBC One and iPlayer

Image source, PA Media

The latest Albion Unlimited podcast discusses the possibility of Brighton striker Danny Welbeck being recalled to the England squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania.

Welbeck, who will turn 35 later this month, has scored six Premier League goals this season. Only Erling Haaland of Manchester City has netted more.

He has won 42 caps for England, the most recent of those coming in 2018, but his form for the Seagulls has led some, including former captain Wayne Rooney, to call for his return to the national setup.

Johnny Cantor of BBC Radio Sussex said: "The profile of Harry Kane is very similar to Danny Welbeck. If something were to happen [to Kane], he could fulfil that role and you don't have to necessarily completely change your whole tactic.

"Welbeck's pass completion rate is very high because he doesn't tend to give it away, which is why I think he's not been as prolific during his career - because he's doing all of the other bits as well.

"I think it would be a simple way to replace like for like if something happened to Kane.

"I think his profile is spot on. [England manager] Thomas Tuchel gets a decent person in the dressing room - and if he doesn't play, he'd go 'why wouldn't you start Harry Kane for England?'

"At the same time, if something happened to Kane, he'd be straight in there and would move into the role seamlessly."

Former Brighton striker Warren Aspinall added: "I always say you need to take two centre-forwards and, at the moment, the best two who are English are Harry Kane and Danny Welbeck.

"There's no debate."

• Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

The latest Albion Unlimited podcast from BBC Radio Sussex is available now on BBC Sounds.

Johnny Cantor and Warren Aspinall discuss the possibility of forward Danny Welbeck earning a recall to the England squad and look ahead to the first meeting of this season between Brighton and Crystal Palace on Sunday.

• Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Listen to every Brighton game live on BBC Radio Sussex, with all the build-up and full commentary with Johnny Cantor and Warren Aspinall, and there is a full preview of all Seagulls' matches on Fridays at 18:00 in The Weekend Warm-up

Scott McCarthy
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

It was such a routine win for Brighton over Leeds United that the Amex was never required to really find its voice and spur the players on.

There was the exception of one chant which spread through the West Stand Upper tier at one point – Welbeck for England.

The evergreen Danny Welbeck – or Danny Malbec as some are now referring to him for continuing to age like a fine wine – has six Premier League goals in 10 appearances this season. This makes him the leading English scorer in the division.

On current form, Welbeck deserves an England recall for the November internationals. But his case for inclusion goes beyond just a hot streak of goals.

In terms of playing style, Welbeck is probably the closest thing England have to Harry Kane. Two classic number nines who know where the back of the goal is and can link play brilliantly.

Should disaster strike and Kane be injured going into the World Cup, Welbeck would be an able deputy.

More likely is that Kane ends the season knackered from too much football, as was the case when he struggled in the latter stages of Euro 2024. Again, Welbeck provides an alternative.

But where Welbeck can really add value is what he brings off-the-pitch rather than on it. Thomas Tuchel has frequently said he wants more experience and leadership, hence the return of Jordan Henderson.

Welbeck brings those two traits in spades. His professionalism is second-to-none and that shines through in an astonishing work rate for a bloke in his mid-30s.

This young Brighton squad has benefitted from Welbeck significantly, and so too can a young England squad.

After all the injury problems Welbeck suffered between his last World Cup in 2018 and next summer's tournament, it would be quite the story for him to be on the plane to the USA, Canada and Mexico.

He deserves it though, just as the Amex told Tuchel on Saturday.

Find more from Scott McCarthy at We Are Brighton, external

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Image source, Getty Images

Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney believes Danny Welbeck should be considered for a recall into the England squad.

Thomas Tuchel is set to name his squad for this month's World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania on Friday.

Welbeck is the top English scorer in the Premier League this season with six goals in 10 games.

"He scores goals, he works hard, he's having a purple patch and he's put himself in a position where Thomas Tuchel will definitely have to look at him," Rooney said on the latest episode of his podcast The Wayne Rooney Show.

"Behind Harry Kane he is the most in-form England striker. He's given himself a chance.

"He's been such a good player in the Premier League.

"I said last season Manchester United should have brought him back.

"He seems really settled at Brighton, he's doing well and scoring goals, and I hope he continues that and gives himself the best chance of trying to get back in the England squad."

Read the full piece

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Brighton and Leeds United.

Here are some of your replies:

Brighton fans

Stuart: All the stats indicated a typical Dr Brighton result. An early goal helped settle the nerves and ultimately we were never troubled. Leeds were poor and our players stepped up. Ferdi Kadioglu and Yasin Ayari were the stars. Also a big shout to the youngsters on their debuts. It's all very positive for the future.

Sarah: Fantastic game! With the exception of the 20 minute lull at the beginning and losing possession a bit too easily in midfield, we were strong and functioning as a team again. Danny Welbeck is on a brilliant roll, Diego Gomez got his first Premier League goal in style and sealed it with another corker, plus Yankuba Minteh and Mats Wieffer got assists. I'm really pleased to see Lewis Dunk doing so well again, especially after some suggested he should move over. There's a lot of life in him yet; he is a proper solid defender.

Dean: Good to see the Albion finish off a team in the bottom half of the league, as this had been a persistent problem for us. Welbeck on a free transfer from Watford has turned out to be a masterstroke.

Tim: Following from a hotel room in Turkey, it sounded like a far from perfect performance that we should've put to bed by half-time. We march on with three precious points and a spot back in the top half! If we can get Kaoru Mitoma, Jack Hinshelwood, Joel Veltman and Brajan Gruda back from injury, I think we'll be in a great place by this season's halfway point.

Leeds fans

Chris: Absolutely useless. They had no fire in their bellies. The front six were at another game. We were too slow in both movement and passing. Daniel Farke has to change his tactics for away games because we are not good enough to defend against quick attacking teams.

Kenneth: Poorest performance of the season so far, with too many players below par. Some are not good enough for Premier League football, Jayden Bogle and Dominic Calvert-Lewin to name just two. It's really coming back to bite us not buying a proven goalscorer.

Dave: Farke is living on borrowed time. The tactics and teamsheet were a disgrace. We were very poor.

Thomas: We have to be realistic and realise that it is so much harder to win games in the Premier League, especially away from home. The formation away from home is obviously not working so maybe a change would help. But, like all teams in Leeds' situation coming up from the Championship, it is a case of avoiding relegation. A long hard season in prospect.

Image source, Getty Images

Brighton forward Georginio Rutter says it was "very special" to play against his former team Leeds United and believes the Seagulls' 3-0 win will be "very good for building confidence" after a mixed start to the season.

Speaking to BBC Radio Sussex after the win, Rutter said: "We got the three points and a clean sheet, which we have been waiting for a long time, so it is very good for building confidence.

"I was very happy with the performance and I think the manager was as well. We take it, but we have to keep going. If we get a clean sheet in every game then we cannot lose.

"In some games this season I've seen some players not wanting to run for their team-mates, but I saw everybody running so that made me very happy."

On Danny Welbeck's recent performances, he added: "He is very good for this team because of his experience. He is also very clinical in the box.

"From my point of view, he helped me a lot when I first got here. If he's called up to England I'll be very happy for him and I believe in him on that front.

"Our partnership is natural. He doesn't force it and I don't force it. We just have this connection, even in training. I don't know why, but it works."

Listen to Georginio Rutter full post-match interview on BBC Sounds

Plus catch up on Danny Welbeck's chat with BBC Radio Sussex here

Image source, Getty Images

Former England striker Alan Shearer on Danny Welbeck's England prospects: "If you look at the forward options in Tuchel's last squad there aren't many obvious stand-ins for Harry Kane.

"Anthony Gordon, Jarrod Bowen, Bukayo Saka aren't going to fill that role and Ollie Watkins hasn't been firing for Aston Villa, so any English striker scoring goals in the Premier League is going to be talked about.

"It's seven years since Welbeck's last cap and he's 35 this month but Tuchel isn't worried about the future. His only focus is the six weeks of the World Cup so there's no reason why Welbeck couldn't be involved if he keeps scoring and stays injury free."

Read more on Welbeck's chances here

Sam Ashoo
Final Score reporter

A lot of the talk in the build-up to Brighton-Leeds was about Georginio Rutter.

The forward was a fan favourite at Leeds before joining Brighton for £40m in January 2023 and makes no secret of his affection for his former club. In fact, he even owns a racehorse named BriLee, a nod to both Brighton and Leeds.

There was, however, no horsing around on Saturday. Rutter played the 10 role perfectly, breaking lines, dropping deep when needed and creating extra space for Danny Welbeck and Diego Gomez. His assist for Gomez's second goal capped off an excellent performance, driving into the box and offering a perfect cutback.

The Frenchman described the occasion as "special" and it was nice to see many of the 3,000 travelling Leeds fans applaud him after the game.

Pundits Alan Shearer and Ashley Williams join host Gabby Logan to bring you the action and talking points from Saturday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Burnley 0-2 Arsenal

• Nottingham Forest 2-2 Manchester United

• Tottenham 0-1 Chelsea

Adwaidh Rajan
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Brighton rediscovered their ruthlessness in attack and returned to winning ways in style as they overcame Leeds United 3-0 in the Premier League.

Fabian Hurzeler's men headed into this game on the back of a challenging week on the road where they were beaten by Manchester United in the league and knocked out of the League Cup by Arsenal.

The Seagulls attempted more shots than their opponents in those games - 15 to Manchester United's 13 and 17 to Arsenal's 13 - but were outscored by four goals.

The back-to-back defeats came after a five-game unbeaten run across all competitions from Brighton, who have have struggled for consistency during the 2025-26 season.

However, Danny Welbeck's sixth goal of the league campaign pulled Brighton ahead early in front of their supporters at the Amex on Saturday.

Though Leeds stayed alive in the game past the hour mark, Diego Gomez's quickfire double - his first Premier League goals of the season - sealed the victory that helped the Seagulls move into the top half of the standings.

While the commanding win will come as a huge fillip for the Seagulls, a second clean sheet in 22 Premier League games will be further source of optimism for Hurzeler as a tough challenge at Crystal Palace awaits them next Sunday before the international break.

Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler has been speaking to BBC Match of the Day following the win: "It was good performance from the start, especially the first 20 minutes. We lost a bit of control after that, but in the second half we got it back. We kept a clean sheet which was important, scored some good goals and created a lot of chances. I'm happy.

"It is really about getting consistency with our results. Winning is always the best feeling, but a clean sheet gives you a high percentage of winning the game. Everyone worked hard and everyone was there for each other. We deserved the clean sheet."

Brighton goalscorer Danny Welbeck also spoke to Premier League Productions about the performance: "They were top performances from both Yankuba Minteh and Diego Gomez. Minteh was dangerous all day long and Diego popped up with two great goals. It was some great work from Georginio [Rutter] to create it too."

On whether he is expecting an England call-up next week: "I just control what I can control. I'm enjoying playing my football here at Brighton, so my focus is always on Brighton and doing the best that I can. Getting the goals is important for me and the team, and getting the three points."

Did you know?

• Brighton are unbeaten in their past nine Premier League home games (W5 D4), their best unbeaten home run since between September and March in the 2023-24 season (12 games unbeaten).

• Danny Welbeck has scored six goals in his past five Premier League appearances for Brighton - two more goals than he had netted in his previous 26 games combined.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Brighton's performance

What did you make of Leeds' display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has made one change to the side that suffered a 4-2 defeat at Manchester United last Saturday.

Diego Gomez returns to the starting line-up, after being used as a substitute in the past two games, as Maxim De Cuyper drops to the bench.

Brighton XI: Verbruggen, Dunk, Van Hecke, Wieffer, Rutter, Minteh, Baleba, Wellbeck, Kadioglu, Gomez, Ayari

Substitutes: Steele, Tzimas, Watson, Kostoulas, Boscagli, De Cuyper, Coppola, Knight, Oriola

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has named an unchanged starting line-up following their 2-1 win against West Ham last weekend.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin leads the line alongside Noah Okafor and Brenden Aaronson while captain Ethan Ampadu, Ao Tanaka and Sean Longstaff make up their midfield

Leeds XI: Perri, Bogle, Gudmundsson, Ampadu, Rodon, Longstaff, Calvert-Lewin, Aaronson, Bijol, Okafor, Tanaka

Substitutes: Darlow, Struijk, James, Piroe, Nmecha, Stach, Harrison, Justin, Gruev

There are seven games in the Premier League on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Brighton v Leeds

• Burnley v Arsenal - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2

• Crystal Palace v Brentford

• Fulham v Wolves

• Nottingham Forest v Manchester United - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Tottenham v Chelsea (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Liverpool v Aston Villa (20:00)

Kick-off times 15:00 GMT unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Burnley v Arsenal" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Tottenham v Chelsea", for instance.

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds