Brighton & Hove Albion

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

• Chelsea v Sunderland (15:00) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Newcastle v Fulham (15:00) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Man Utd v Brighton (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Brentford v Liverpool (20:00)

Kick-offs 15:00 BST 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 Chelsea v Sunderland" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Newcastle v Fulham", for instance.

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

United were lucky with their first goal against Liverpool last week because the game should have been stopped, and we've all seen the issues with the Liverpool backline this season too.

So, while I understand why any win for United against their rivals at Anfield is a massive result, it doesn't mean they have cracked it and turned a corner.

They have just managed back-to-back league wins for the first time since Ruben Amorim took charge last November, but I am not looking at them and thinking they will make it a hat-trick on Saturday.

Brighton striker Danny Welbeck impressed me when he came on the Monday Night Club this week and I am backing his boys here.

The Seagulls are always bold under Fabian Hurzeler and they will be fearless at Old Trafford too. I am backing Welbeck to get one of their goals, and haunt his former club.

It is down to United to prove me wrong, and show everyone they do have the consistency they have been lacking, and that may well be part of Amorim's team talk.

Sutton's prediction: 1-2

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Manchester United seek to continue their winning run against Brighton at Old Trafford on Saturday.

United's late victory at bitter rivals Liverpool last weekend was undoubtedly one of the standout moments of Ruben Amorim's tenure as he approaches a year in charge of the club.

The result ended a near decade-long winless run at Anfield and brought about back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time under the Portuguese head coach - a statistic that match winner Harry Maguire labelled "embarrassing" in his post-match interview.

"The last three or four years we'd put in a performance like this and the following game we come down again," continued Maguire last Sunday. "We have to start putting a bit more consistency together."

Whisper it quietly, but United's home form is actually quite consistent. Their only home defeat this term was by a single goal to league leaders Arsenal on the opening weekend and they have since won their past three at Old Trafford, scoring two or more goals on each occasion.

The key to another positive result this weekend could well be forward Bryan Mbeumo, who found the net after just two minutes on Sunday and has a goal and an assist in his past two games.

The Cameroon international clearly enjoys facing Brighton and has been directly involved in six goals in his past four starts against the Seagulls.

Brighton are unbeaten in four top-flight matches - winning two and drawing two - and will be confident of extending that form, such is their recent dominance against United.

The Seagulls have triumphed in six of their past seven league fixtures against the Red Devils and could become the first Premier League club to win four in a row at Old Trafford.

The last team to triumph in more successive league matches at the famous stadium was Manchester City, who put together a run of five some 53 years ago.

However, if Fabian Hurzeler's side are to maintain their grip on this fixture then they will need to sharpen up at the back. They have kept just one clean sheet in their previous 20 Premier League games and that was in a 2-0 win at Wolves in May.

One possible reason for that might lie with the German head coach's inclination to tinker. The 32-year-old has overseen 55 Brighton matches across all competitions but he is yet to name an unchanged side.

Hurzeler must be tempted to stick with last weekend's starting XI after their 2-1 victory over Newcastle and one man who should keep his place is former United academy graduate Danny Welbeck.

The striker, who turns 35 next month, found the net twice last weekend and has four goals from his past three top-flight games. Welbeck has also scored six times against his former employers and those of a blue and white persuasion will hope he can add to that tally this weekend.

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Manchester United at Old Trafford (kick-off 17:30 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Midfielder Diego Gomez is available to start the game, while "one or two" of the injured trio of Karou Mitoma, Brajan Gruda and Joel Veltman may return to the matchday squad.

• On the importance of Mitoma in games such as Saturday's: "We will try everything to have him in the squad as he is a game-changer for us. If he is not available then we won't complain and we will find a solution. It might be a chance for Tom Watson or other wingers."

• Hurzeler said he is "very pleased to hear" that midfielder Carlos Baleba "feels like he is getting back to old" after a difficult start to the season. He added: "I saw him in training this week and it was impressive."

• On Baleba playing against United, who were widely linked with him in the summer: "It is the next step for his personality to overcome these rumours and noise. It is only noise that tries to distract him from trying to perform for Brighton and I am sure he is going to put in a good performance for us."

• He said United "are a danger for us" because "they play a more direct style" and "every player in the front can decide the game with one action". He added: "We have to stay alive for 90 minutes, whether that is in or out of possession."

• Jan Paul van Hecke "is going over the expectation" Hurzeler has of him and is giving "120%" in everything he does. Hurzeler added: "His effort is always above the things you can expect as a coach. He has a very straight and honest opinion, which I always like because it is powerful for the team."

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

Listen to live commentary of Manchester United v Brighton on BBC Radio 5 Live from 17:30 on Saturday

Manchester United are open to signing two new midfielders in 2026, with Brighton's 21-year-old Cameroon international Carlos Baleba among a six-man shortlist that also includes Chelsea's 21-year-old Brazil international Andrey Santos. (Talksport), external

Want more transfer news? Read Friday's full gossip column

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Image source, Getty Images

Former Brighton winger Kazenga LuaLua has fond memories of his time at the club, describing it as the high point of his football career.

And he believes the Seagulls' rise is no surprise, praising the club's infrastructure developments - from the move to Amex Stadium to the new training ground - as pivotal steps that have helped them flourish.

"It was the best time I had in my football career," LuaLua told BBC Radio Sussex's Albion Unlimited podcast.

"I always say this about Brighton when I talk to people about it. I have nothing bad to say about Brighton. I always say good things because they changed my life in a nice way. They gave me a platform to show what I can do, and I'm always grateful.

"When I first signed, I got injured, and then I was sent back to Newcastle to do my treatment. I remember Gus Poyet telling me: 'I want you back here next season.' For him to say that and want me with me being injured as well, was unbelievable.

"It was the best thing the club has ever done [moving to the Amex] and that was the start - then to get the new training ground, and from there Brighton just flew.

"I am not surprised [by Brighton playing in Europe] as the club was moving in the right direction. It's nice to see. I hope they can keep improving."

Listen to the full episode of Albion Unlimited on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

Former Brighton forward Warren Aspinall was full of praise for Danny Welbeck's resurgence after he inspired the Seagulls to a 2-1 victory over Newcastle United at the weekend.

The striker has now scored four in his past three games, including doubles against Chelsea and Newcastle, with his sharpness in front of goal matched by an intensity and experience that have become vital to Fabian Hurzeler's side.

"Like a good wine, he's maturing with age," Aspinall said told BBC Radio Sussex's Albion Unlimited podcast.

"He sets standards on and off the pitch and his all-round game is getting better. I don't know what he's doing with his recovery, but it's working. That's for sure."

Welbeck's work ethic and leadership also drew admiration from team-mate Jan Paul van Hecke, who highlighted the example he sets for others in the squad.

"Incredible, not only his goals, but his work rate," Van Hecke said.

"Everyone knows that when you play for us, you have to work really hard as we don't have the superstars here. But when you see Danny setting the example, all the boys will follow him and are really happy with him."

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

This week's episode of Albion Unlimited features a chat with Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke while former Seagulls winger Kazenga LuaLua brings some nostalgia.

There's also analysis of Amario Cozier-Duberry's progress on loan at League One Bolton, plus a preview of Saturday's trip to Manchester United.

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

Image source, Getty Images

We asked you where Danny Welbeck ranks in Brighton signings during the Premier League era.

Here are some of your comments:

Bill: Danny has consistently shown a superb attitude both in the dressing room and on the training and playing fields. He is a high-class striker and I am sure his example is of benefit to all Seagulls players.

Edward: A great role model for younger footballers. An incredible piece of work by Brighton.

Clive: Welbeck has to be up there with the all time Brighton greats, but I also think he is now better as a second-half super sub.

Tony: Brilliant signing. I had my doubts at the start but what a great player Welbeck is. Has got better with age like a good wine. I hope he is offered an extension to his existing contract. A true legend in the making.

Jack: Yes, Danny is easily one of the best players we've signed. Getting him for free was a great piece of business as he's now our top scorer in the Premier League and he's been a great player to have in and around the squad.

Colin: The best free transfer we've ever had.

David: Danny is playing out of his skin and we are SO LUCKY to have him playing for us.

Scott McCarthy
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

The traditional anniversary gift for five years is wood, symbolising the strength, stability and deep roots of a long-lasting and successful marriage.

This symbolism perfectly sums up the relationship between Danny Welbeck and Brighton, which passed the five-year mark at the weekend.

Welbeck celebrated the occasion in perfect style with a double, as the Albion saw off Newcastle United 2-1 at Amex Stadium.

Cast your mind back to October 2020 and plenty of eyebrows were raised when Brighton signed Welbeck on a free transfer, following his release by Watford.

Too old, too injury-prone, a panic signing after the transfer window had shut. The latter was said because Albion had left themselves in a position whereby Neal Maupay and Aaron Connolly were their only two options at centre-forward.

How many people would have dared predict Welbeck would still be a Brighton player half a decade on? Let alone the club's record Premier League goalscorer.

He is up there with Pascal Gross as the best value-for-money signing the club have made since promotion to the top flight in 2017, and has now played more games and netted more goals for Albion than any of his other clubs.

Football fans outside of Sussex may associate him with Manchester United, Arsenal or England more than Brighton, but it is on the south coast where his best and most consistent form has come.

The goals Welbeck bagged against the Toon Army came from two strikes of the highest class.

His first saw him coolly dink over Nick Pope. His second was a powerful drive with unerring accuracy, after showing quick reactions to latch onto Mats Wieffer's blocked shot.

Plenty of clubs would pay many, many millions of pounds for a striker with the finishing ability of Welbeck. Brighton forked out nothing.

Here is to the next five years - because it really would not be a surprise to see Welbeck still rattling in goals for the Albion approaching his 40th birthday on the 10th anniversary of his signing.

Where does Welbeck rank in Brighton signings during the Premier League era?

Tell us what you think here

Find more from Scott McCarthy at We Are Brighton, external

Brighton striker Danny Welbeck joined BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club to reflect on his career and share how he maintains his fitness as a 34-year-old playing in the Premier League.

"I know my body," he said. "You learn your body and know what can put you in the best position.

"We have incredible facilities at Brighton and they are on hand for you. Everyone has the opportunity to recover in the right way."

Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer and listen on BBC Sounds

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

Here are some of your comments:

Brighton fans

Tony: It was a scrappy game but we defended well and fought hard for a well-deserved win. With a bit more finesse and better decision-making we could have won by more.

Richard: It was the best performance of the season - a really hard-fought win. We seemed to want the second ball more than recent games and those fine margins made the difference.

Hayling: Some fans have criticised Lewis Dunk this season, but he was immense - at least three superb tackles when he was left as the last man and he handled Nick Woltemede better than Jan Paul van Hecke. Just a shame we couldn't keep the clean sheet against a side who hadn't scored away from home before Saturday.

Newcastle fans

Sean: Fed up of poor performances at Brighton - the same every season. Toothless once again in attack. Anthony Elanga just hasn't got going. Showed much more attacking intent with Jacob Murphy's directness in the second half. Defensive solidity seems to be the base for us this season, yet both goals were poor to concede. Need a good reaction at St James' Park on Tuesday before a kinder run of league fixtures.

Paul: A really poor performance. Misplaced passes, losing multiple 50/50s. All across the park we didn't seem ourselves and, despite a lot of effort, we just were way below the levels needed.

John: Whatever the reason, the performance seemed adversely affected by the international break. Bruno Guimaraes missed a couple of good chances to score. Joelinton was lethargic and made mistakes so Eddie Howe removed him at half-time. Anthony Gordon had none of his England sparkle and Elanga hardly contributed. Woltemade was the exception, but when three or four other key players are off form, the Premier League is a very tough league.

Image source, Getty Images

Danny Welbeck's double against Newcastle stole the headlines at Amex Stadium on Saturday, but the 34 year-old did not forget about the defensive contributions of fellow attacker Georginio Rutter in the 2-1 victory.

Speaking to BBC Radio Sussex about when Rutter ran back from the forward line to make a tackle, Welbeck said: "It's something that we massively appreciate as a team [about him]. Maybe it's something that the fans don't see or take notice of, because it doesn't go down as a goal or an assist.

"Those sort of things that he does puts us in a position to go on and win games. It sets the tone for the rest of the team. He was incredible.

"It was a tough battle against a tough side. We had to try to nullify their threat and the whole backline was very good, along with the rest of the team as a defensive unit."

Hear more from Welbeck on BBC Sounds

Pundits Alan Shearer and Micah Richards 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:

• Manchester City 2-0 Everton

• Crystal Palace 3-3 Bournemouth

• Fulham 0-1 Arsenal

Ciaran Kelly
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

This Brighton side never give up.

Not only when they go behind – having clawed back more points from losing positions than any other Premier League team since Fabian Hurzeler took charge – but, also, when conceding a late equaliser.

Brighton could have folded or tried to see the game out as Newcastle pushed for a winner.

But the hosts broke forward and struck a decisive blow late on when Danny Welbeck pounced on a loose ball to send Brighton fans wild after Mats Wieffer's initial shot was blocked by Dan Burn.

Welbeck may be 34, but the forward is showing no signs of slowing down.

The former England international has now scored four goals in his last three games, against Champions League opposition in Newcastle and Chelsea.

This winner sent Brighton up to ninth and Hurzeler's side have now defeated Newcastle, Chelsea and Manchester City this season - and taken a point off Spurs.

No-one is going to enjoy coming to the Amex in the coming months.

• Listen to Welbeck's full-time interview with BBC Radio Sussex on BBC Sounds

Fabian Hurzeler spoke to BBC Match of the Day after Brighton's victory against Newcastle: "I never thought we would lose it, so I have the biggest belief in my team. We showed resilience, character and personality.

"We kept the structure quite well and I'm really pleased. The key thing was a good structure and being patient, so don't force it. Have different patterns in the final third. I thought we had a good variation, a good flexibility. I was pleased. Overall, in possession, it was really good.

On Danny Welbeck: "It was impressive. I focused on how he was without the ball. He made the recovery runs. If the team plays well, then the individuals will shine."

Welbeck also spoke to MOTD after Saturday's victory: "It was a very good win and it was very important for us. We've had some results where we've been pushing and not quite got there. We've been ahead here at home and have not got the three points. It was a test of our character today.

"We were well in control. Some good football and they nicked a goal. Once that happened, they got some momentum. It' good for us to see the progression.

"It was a good finish, I was happy with that. There's always that possibility the ball can fall your way. I was wondering if it could fall nicely for me and it did and I stuck it away.

"I love it. I have the passion and love for football. It's what I want to do. I feel good. I feel strong and fit so I won't be stopping soon.

On playing into his 40s: "I'm not looking that far ahead. I'm just enjoying my football and feeling strong. I'm enjoying the present."

• Listen to Hurzeler's full-time 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 Brighton's performance

What did you learn from Newcastle's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Brighton make one change as Georginio Rutter comes in for the injured Brajan Gruda.

Diego Gomez is fit to start after shaking off a muscle issue as Brighton look to maintain their impressive home record against Newcastle.

Fabian Hurzeler's side have never lost versus the visitors in the Premier League at the Amex.

Brighton XI: Verbruggen, Wieffer, Dunk, van Hecke, Kadioglu, Ayari, Gomez, Baleba, Minteh, Welbeck, Georginio

Subs: Steele, Tzimas, Watson, Kostoulas, Milner, Boscagli, De Cuyper, Coppola, Oriola

Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has named an unchanged side after Joelinton was passed fit to start against Brighton.

Joelinton returned from international Brazil with a slight groin issue, but the midfielder lines up from the off at the Amex.

Howe has stuck with the same XI who defeated Nottingham Forest and Union Saint-Gilloise before the international break.

Newcastle XI: Pope, Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Burn, Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton, Elanga, Woltemade, Gordon

Subs: Ramsdale, Schar, Barnes, Krafth, Osula, Murphy, Willock, Ramsey, Miley

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

• Nottingham Forest v Chelsea (12:30)

• Brighton v Newcastle

• Burnley v Leeds United

• Crystal Palace v Bournemouth

• Man City v Everton - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Sunderland v Wolves - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Fulham v Arsenal (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-off times 15:00 BST 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 Fulham v Arsenal", for instance.

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

I was impressed by Newcastle when I watched them against Nottingham Forest. Their midfield is so powerful, and they have got good options out wide.

I don't think they will start firing properly up front until Yoane Wissa is fit to help Nick Woltemade but, defensively, they look pretty solid and that has been backed up by their results on the road.

Newcastle have drawn all three of their away games in the league this season, without scoring or conceding.

The goals will come, but I don't see them as having enough to beat a Brighton team who always look dangerous even when they are not playing that well.

The Seagulls have drawn two out of three at home so far, so I guess this has got a draw written all over it too.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Tom McCoy
BBC Sport journalist

Comeback kings Brighton take on a Newcastle side with more Premier League clean sheets than anyone else this season. BBC Sport examines some of the key themes before Saturday's match.

Jan Paul van Hecke's late equaliser salvaged a point for Brighton away at Wolves in their last game, maintaining the Seagulls' formidable record of coming from behind under Fabian Hurzeler.

Since the German's appointment in June 2024, Albion have gained 30 points from losing positions, at least four more than any other Premier League side.

Hurzeler called the display at Molineux "a good performance but not a great performance", adding "we can play better football but are not machines".

There is certainly room for improvement at the back. Brighton are one of only three teams still awaiting a first Premier League clean sheet of the season and have shut out the opposition just once in their past 19 top-flight games.

They do have an excellent record at home to Newcastle, having avoided defeat in all eight of their Premier League home matches against the Magpies. However, given the visitors' strong defensive record, Albion will be keen to avoid playing catch-up again this weekend.

Miserly Magpies a tough nut to crack

The international break arguably came at the wrong time for Newcastle, who registered back-to-back wins for the first time this season by beating Union Saint-Gilloise and Nottingham Forest, scoring a total of six unanswered goals in those victories.

Goalscoring has been an issue for the Magpies, with only Forest and Wolves netting fewer so far in the Premier League. However, summer signing Nick Woltemade has made a strong start to life on Tyneside, scoring in each of the past three games, easing concerns about the impact of losing Alexander Isak to Liverpool.

Woltemade, 23, maintained that momentum by scoring his first senior international goal in Germany's win against Northern Ireland on Monday.

At the other end of the pitch, Newcastle have proved a tough nut to crack, keeping five clean sheets in seven Premier League matches. That is the joint-highest total in the top five European leagues, matching Lyon's total in Ligue 1.

It is all the more impressive given Eddie Howe has had to contend with several injuries to his rearguard. Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall are not expected back until next month at the earliest, while Fabian Schar also missed time before returning as an unused substitute against Forest.

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Newcastle (kick-off 15:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Brajan Gruda is unavailable due to a knee injury and Diego Gomez will be assessed today after returning from international duty with a thigh injury.

• Karou Mitoma and Joel Veltman are "in training" but there is "still a question mark" over whether they will be available.

• Meanwhile, Solly March could return "by the end of the year" if there are no further issues with his rehabilitation. Hurzeler added: "He is doing well and progressing. I see him running on the pitch, which is always a positive. He seems to be in a good mood."

• On the number of injuries they have had already this campaign: "It is the same issue we had last season. You will never hear me complaining about these things because we try to find solutions. Some injuries at the moment are quite unlucky."

• The Albion manager said he had some time off to "refresh" during the international break because it's "important to reflect and analyse".

• More on the impact of the international break: "The national teams have a responsibility for how they send players back and unfortunately not every country behaves in the same professional way. We have to deal with it."

• He said to improving their performances and results will be decided by "small margins": "It's important to not overreact or get distracted if we concede a goal. It's about keeping the structure and energy and those things have dropped at times. It's about trusting your own quality and having belief that we are always capable of scoring goals."

• On opponents Newcastle: "They have an unbelievable offensive ability. They have amazing individual quality so we have to defend well as a team and stick together."

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