Brighton & Hove Albion

Jordan Butler
BBC Sport journalist

An inconsistent Brighton host promoted Leeds on the south coast this Saturday. BBC Sport explores some of the key themes surrounding this fixture.

Evergreen Milner to face first side

Brighton will certainly welcome a return home after a loss at Old Trafford last Saturday and a League Cup defeat at the Emirates on Wednesday.

Fabian Hurzeler's side are on an eight-match unbeaten run at the Amex Stadium in the top flight, with four wins and four draws.

They have also kept a clean sheet in their past seven home league games against visitors Leeds, their longest run without conceding against a single opponent in the club's history.

Brighton's James Milner was born and bred in Leeds and made his top-flight debut for the Elland Road club in November 2002 when he was just 16.

Now 39, the evergreen utility player is still contributing at the highest level and his assist for 18-year-old Charalampos Kostoulas's goal against Manchester United set two unique Premier League records.

Not only was it the biggest gap in age between a player setting up a team-mate – a whopping 21 years and 146 days – but it was the first time in Premier League history that a player assisted another after making their debut in the competition before the scorer was born.

Milner is also nine games away from setting a new Premier League appearance record. If he were to feature on Saturday he would sit just seven matches behind Gareth Barry's total of 653. If he plays at Elland Road in the reverse fixture in May, the chances are he will already have broken it.

Positive start for Leeds

Leeds head to the south coast seeking to register consecutive Premier League victories for the first time since November 2022.

They've lost three of their four away trips so far this season but their sole victory at Wolves in September means they've already gone one better than Howard Wilkinson's team during the inaugural Premier League campaign in 1992-93. That side failed to win any of their 21 games on the road during a 42-game season but still finished two points above the relegation zone in 17th.

The positive start that Daniel Farke's side have made has gone somewhat under the radar due to Sunderland's charge towards the top of the division. But recent history suggests that his team is doing enough, as every promoted side in the last 10 seasons with 11 points or more after 10 games has survived. Leeds have amassed 11 points from their first nine matches.

The last promoted side to have at least 11 points after 10 games and be relegated was Cardiff City in 2013-14 – the Bluebirds mustered 12 points from their first 10 fixtures but finished the season bottom with 30 points after taking a meagre 18 from their remaining 28 matches.

A similar fate could still befall Leeds and, when asked about his side's return from their opening nine games, Leeds boss Farke said they deserved far more. "We should be on 15 to 17 points already," he said in his pre-match press conference. "We're on a good path, but survival isn't a guarantee. We need around nine or 10 wins to stay up."

Image source, Getty Images

Mats Wieffer spoke to BBC Radio Sussex about Brighton's start to the season: "As a team we are not satisfied with how it [the season] is going. It's not that bad, but overall we want more points.

"We speak a lot and watch clips about what we can do better defensively and attacking-wise. It is hard to put a finger on one [reason why it's not going to plan]. At this moment, we are still figuring out how we can play at our best.

"Against Arsenal, we played with three at the back instead of four - I don't know if that is going to be for a longer period, I don't think it is."

On the difference between the Premier League and other leagues, he said: "The intensity and you can get punished directly. It doesn't matter what team you play against, you can have the ball for a long time with lots of chances but if you don't score then they will. You can never drop your intensity as the team.

"In my opinion, you face the best wingers in the world [in the Premier League]. They are fast, and it's really difficult. I am trying my best and trying to help the team."

Listen to Wieffer's chat in full here

Millie Sian
BBC Sport journalist

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Leeds United at Amex Stadium (kick-off 15:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• There are no fresh injury concerns following the midweek Carabao Cup fixture, so "the squad will be the same". A few players have "small issues" and might not be available, but he didn't name those affected.

• Kaoru Mitoma is "back on the pitch and training" after recovering from an ankle injury. It is possible that the winger could be back in action before the next international break.

• When asked if 19-year-old Tom Watson could be in line for a first Premier League start in Mitoma's absence, Hurzeler replied: "It's definitely an option."

• Brighton will need to "do the basics right" in order to get a result against their opponents. He added: "We have to commit to each other. We cannot be lazy. We have to be very clear in our positioning and good with our passing. We accept that it will be a fight, but I'm sure we'll have the quality to outplay them."

• Former Leeds United player Georginio Rutter could be the "gamechanger" on Saturday afternoon because of his "behaviour, attitude and positivity". Hurzeler highlighted that the forward has already been a "big win" for Brighton.

Hear more from Hurzeler on Rutter on BBC Sounds

• He praised Daniel Farke for doing a "really good and really impressive" job at Elland Road: "They have a clear style of play, they are very disciplined, and they don't give away a lot of chances. They are a hardworking team and they try to be there for each other. It will be a big challenge for us."

• On whether he expected Leeds United to be doing as well as they are this season, he said: "For me, it's not a surprise. If you saw them playing in the Championship last season, they were already impressive." It furthers his belief that the Premier League is getting "more competitive and equal" after the past few seasons.

• Brighton are "100 percent still in this season", after taking 12 points from their first nine league games, but he does recognise their results "could've been better".

• Hurzeler added: "I'm 100% convinced that we have the right characters, right personalities and right qualities in our group to get the results we want long-term."

• When asked if he believes Danny Welbeck - last capped in 2018 - should receive an England call-up, he replied: "I'm very convinced with my players and I have a big belief that he is able to play for England. I asked the squad if they think he can play for England and they all agreed, so let's see what happens."

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

Hear more from Hurzeler on the Leeds game on BBC Sounds

This - it seems - is the season of the set piece.

The Premier League debates are more about dead balls than ever before, with some sides enjoying immense success from corner kicks, throw ins or well-worked free-kicks.

What fine timing then for BBC Sport to launch a column with former manager Tony Pulis, a man who seemed to finely extract the fine margins from the game.

You can take in Tony's column on set pieces here

Image source, Getty Images

Substitutes have scored 16 Premier League goals for Brighton in 2025 - only Brighton themselves in 2023 (20) have ever had more goals scored by subs in a calendar year (excluding own goals).

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your thoughts after Wednesday's Carabao Cup game between Arsenal and Brighton.

Here are some of your replies:

Arsenal fans

Banda: Arsenal's young players stepped up impressively while Brighton seemed to run out of ideas in the final third. It wasn't the flashiest performance, but it was professional, efficient and mature. It's the kind of win that shows Arsenal's growth and their hunger for silverware this season.

Peter: It was interesting to see Arsenal's young blood. They really have a team for the future!

Alan: Max Dowman is an unbelievable talent. Yet another clean sheet.

Donpapi: At this rate, Arsenal should be able to field a full team of academy players in the near future. Arteta is doing a great job and will save the club a lot of money in the future. Long may it continue.

Irfan: It seems like this Arsenal side, regardless of who plays, cannot do anything wrong. I really hope they continue doing the same throughout the whole season and end it on a high note as well. From the looks of it, aiming for a Treble is not too unrealistic.

Brighton fans

Fran: We started off well and should've scored a couple of goals before half-time but, as is so often the case, we just didn't take our chances. Arsenal stepped it up in the second half and were the better side. We didn't really look like troubling them.

Jake: Very encouraging, particularly after the Manchester United performance at the weekend. Hurzeler has come in for some criticism, but he had the team playing well and creating clear chances. It does sadly expose the limitations of the Brighton model and, if we are to properly compete, we need to recruit proven over potential in the final third.

Graham: I'm afraid that we create chances but we just can't finish. 2-0 at half-time wouldn't have been unrealistic in my view. It's good to see Baleba playing well, which is a bonus I guess. Bring on Leeds.

Kevin: Poor finishing again. You have to give fringe players a game in the cups, otherwise they don't get game time. We move on to big game against Leeds.

Image source, PA Media

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler, speaking to BBC Radio Sussex after a 2-0 loss at Arsenal in the Carabao Cup:

"I think we had enough chances to win the game. We defended quite well until we conceded the goal.

"In the end, we don't get anything for a performance - we have to make sure we get the result, especially in a cup game.

"It's a do-or-die game, we weren't able to score and unfortunately that's why we're out."

• Hear the full interview on BBC Sounds

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

Have your say on Arsenal's performance

What did you make of Brighton's display?

Come back on Thursday for a selection of your replies

It is a big night for Max Dowman, who becomes Arsenal's youngest ever starter at 15 years and 302 days old.

Mikel Arteta has made 10 changes for the match with Brighton, with only Eberechi Eze keeping his starting place.

Brighton also name a much-changed line-up, with Diego Gomez - the competition's leading scorer so far - among those brought into the team.

Ex-Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck is on the bench for the Seagulls.

There are five Carabao Cup games on Wednesday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

Kick-off times 19:45 GMT unless stated

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

• Liverpool v Crystal Palace - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Swansea v Manchester City - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 3

• Wolves v Chelsea

• Newcastle v Tottenham (20:00) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to today's Radio 5 Live commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Arsenal v Brighton" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Liverpool v Crystal Palace", for instance.

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

Brighton, Aston Villa and Chelsea are in the race for Strasbourg's 23-year-old Ivory Coast right-back Guela Doue. (Football Transfers), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Joe Sayers
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

It is very easy to get caught up in the negativity after a loss, especially against a team we have historically done very well against.

But I would like to at least try to highlight a positive from this season so far to hopefully improve the mood.

Yasin Ayari, ever since coming into the side consistently last season, has grown in ability with almost every stride he has taken on the pitch. He is unafraid of challenges, demanding possession and progressing the ball forwards with great control.

Whilst he impressed during a couple of loan moves to the Championship during the 2023-24 season, not many would have expected him to come in and be one of the first names on the teamsheet just a few seasons later.

He has always shown an intelligence on the ball, but what has really stood out for me is his willingness to take responsibility in the middle of the park whilst going face-to-face with some of the best midfielders in the world.

He has got an incredible knack for finding pockets of space to exploit the opposition, and a brilliant intelligence to allow space to open up around him for more time to carve out bigger and better chances.

We are a club built on patience, and Ayari is the perfect example of why we should remain patient as we nurture more talent that will inevitably help us in the long run. It is worth remembering that our Swedish midfield general is still only 22, so there is so much more to come from him.

It is easy for outside eyes to miss Ayari with Carlos Baleba taking all of the headlines, but he brings such different qualities, provides a fantastic balance to our midfield and is often the catalyst that propels the team forwards.

Find more from Joe Sayers at Albion Obsessed, external

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has been speaking to the media before Wedneday's Carabao Cup tie against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium (kick-off 19:45 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• James Milner has "suffered a small muscle issue" so is unavailable for the fourth-round tie. Kaoru Mitoma and Brajan Gruda "are getting closer" to a return but Wednesday's game will come too soon for them to feature.

• He said they are "getting closer to having a bigger squad" again "which is a good thing" as Joel Veltman is also nearing a return.

• On opponents Arsenal: "The table tells the truth. They are doing very well out of possession and from set pieces and they are very disciplined. It will be a big challenge for us."

• He said "it is not just Gabriel" that is a threat for the Gunners from set pieces as "they do it very well together and have really good patterns". Hurzeler added: "On the other side, we are quite good in defending and we are quite confident that we are capable of defending against them."

• He acknowledged how set pieces are "getting more important in the Premier League" and how they are also "trying to build a set-piece culture but that doesn't come overnight and it needs time".

• On balancing squad rotation for the cup: "We have to believe and we really trust the young players because they are here for a reason. It is not about age, it is about quality but for sure you need a good balance in the team."

Follow Tuesday's Carabao Cup news conferences

Listen to Hurzeler's press conference on BBC Sounds

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

Here are some of your comments:

United fans

Dave: Three wins on the trot. Oooh the Devils are hotting up. There's so much more for opposition teams to fear with this new look squad. This could be the start of something good.

Bob: We were better, Brighton were terrible, hopefully because we are becoming harder to play against. The teamwork is finally showing but we still have a few players who aren't getting the message. Overall a massive improvement and plenty of hope there's more to come, which is the first time I've thought that for about 15 years.

Carl: The team worked very hard and pressed the ball well. We coped well with some strange decisions and did not let that spoil our flow. The seeds of improvement are there for all to see and we now just need to add consistency and who knows what we can achieve. Cunha, Mbeumo and Sesko look a threat and we're growing defensively, long may it continue.

Brighton fans

Philip: Hurzeler has to take responsibility for this poor performance. Why keep playing Baleba when he is clearly out of form? When James Milner comes on the team respond positively time and time again. We must cut out the silly mistakes that have cost us many times this season and perhaps replace Dunk with Coppola. Looking like a mid-table season at best.

Tim: After a bright start, we gave the ball away in our own third time and time again and were inevitably punished for it. Our central midfield was non-existent with Baleba running around like a headless chicken and Ayari half asleep. We have to do something about our defensive weaknesses or the season will fall apart.

Tony: We were poor, far too many simple mistakes, giving the ball away time and time again. Baleba was awful and Minteh had his worse game of the season. Definitely a foul by Shaw before the third goal - no idea why VAR didn't intervene - but didn't really make a difference as we were so bad. One day we will keep a clean sheet!

David: Brighton never give up and almost stole a point. Hurzeler mad a big mistake in giving the defence an early day off. The one really good thing which we got from the game after that display and being poor in the last few games is Baleba must now be well down the Manchester United wanted list.

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

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Chelsea 1-2 Sunderland

• Newcastle 2-1 Fulham

• Man Utd 4-2 Brighton

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United weren't that close to signing Carlos Baleba from Brighton this summer. There was no chance the Seagulls would sell the midfielder for anything like the kind of sum the Old Trafford outfit could afford.

His form dipped anyway for a short time but his poise has returned in recent games as Brighton have put together their unbeaten run, and he was eager to make an impact here.

It didn't happen though.

Baleba seemed spooked when an early mistake almost allowed Matheus Cunha to set up Bryan Mbeumo, and he never got to grips with the rest of the game.

Baleba was dominated in an area of the pitch where United are supposed to be weak. He was forced to bring countryman Mbeumo down after being caught out of possession and his only threat on the home goal was off target.

A night to forget was brought to an end after less than an hour when he was replaced by James Milner.

Baleba is a better player than he showed but as Old Trafford auditions go, it was not good.

• Listen to Georginio Rutter on BBC Radio Sussex after defeat at Old Trafford

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler spoke to BBC Match of the Day after his side's defeat at Manchester United: "It is disappointing. We made too many mistakes and like this, you cannot win the game."

On whether he felt like something was in the game at 3-2: "I felt it all the time that there was something. We are consistently there. We worked hard, we had chances and they had chances but the main thing was after our too easy mistakes, it cost us energy. That energy, we missed it a little bit in the end."

On their own mistakes costing them: "In the end it is about execution and our execution wasn't right today. We made too many easy mistakes and we have to start in training, take every pass and every touch serious. We have to improve."

On responding from 3-0 down: "Like I said, the character was good, the personality was there and the belief was there. We never gave up but the main thing is, we made too easy mistakes. The rest, the plan and how we were structured was good but in the end you have to have the execution and that is something we missed today."

On whether Man Utd were more confident today: "I think they had confidence, we had confidence. We started in a 50/50 game like this. The atmosphere was loud today. The fans were loud today but we made them loud with our mistakes, that is also part of the truth and that is something we have to change."

On what is next for the group: "It is always about reflecting no matter if you win or lose. It is a young group and we have to analyse it, be honest and find the right solutions. That is always our approach and attitude after the games. Now, we have to keep working."

Brighton forward Danny Welbeck spoke to Sky Sports: "We are a bit gutted. There was part of the game early on where we dominated but a few silly mistakes led to goals. We are up against quality so they will punish you. It is learning curve of us. We showed great character at the end but it wasn't good enough.

"We put ourselves in a really difficult position. We have a great group and everyone is going to keep fighting whatever the score is. We got two goals and were closing to maybe getting a third. It didn't happen but it is a good sign we showed character.

"It is the best [Man Utd] side we have faced in a while. They were really organised and structure, they always have incredible players and today they really punished our mistakes. A difficult game but one we can look back and analyse. I do believe we can come here and get the three points.

"I'm feeling really good. Fit and strong, I'm glad to be among the goals and most important thing is trying to get the three points and I will keep on doing my best."

Did you know?

• Welbeck has scored seven goals against United in all competitions, against no opponent has he scored more in his club career. Six of those have come in the Premier League which is the most a former player has netted against the Red Devils in the competition.

• Brighton have had six goals scored by substitutes in the Premier League this season - double the number of any other side. 18-year-old Charalampos Kostoulas became Brighton's 10th different goalscorer in the competition this season with no side having more (level with Arsenal and Chelsea).

Listen to Hurzeler's post-match interview with BBC Radio Sussex on BBC Sounds

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

Have your say on United's performance

What did you make of Brighton's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Ruben Amorim makes two changes to the side that won at Liverpool.

Benjamin Sesko replaces Mason Mount, who drops to the bench. Leny Yoro comes in for Harry Maguire, who is not involved.

Amorim said on Friday Maguire had picked up a knock. He is replaced in the squad by Tyrrell Malacia, who is involved for the first time since being placed in the 'bomb squad' by Amorim at the start of pre-season training.

Manchester United XI: Lammens, Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw, Diallo, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Dalot, Mbeumo, Cunha, Sesko.

Subs: Bayindir, Mazraoui, Zirkzee, Dorgu, Malacia, Ugarte, Heaven, Mount, Mainoo.

Danny Welbeck returns to his old club in form after scoring four goals in his last three games.

Brighton coach Fabian Hurzeler brings in Maxim De Cuyper for Diego Gomez, the only change from the side that beat Newcastle.

The Seagulls have won on their last three visits to Old Trafford and six out of their last eight games against United.

Brighton XI: Verbruggen, Wieffer, Van Hecke, Dunk, Kadioglu, Baleba, Ayari, Minteh, Rutter, De Cuyper, Welbeck.

Subs: Steele, Tzimas, Watson, Kostoulas, Milner, Boscagli, Gomez, Coppola, Oriola.