Brighton & Hove Albion

Henry Brownsey
BBC Sport journalist

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

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Brajan Gruda and Jack Hinshelwood should be fit but Hurzeler said Matt O'Riley and Lewis Dunk are not 100% and may not be available.

• The injury news about Jason Steele was "one of the worst messages" Hurzeler has received, and he said the goalkeeper's importance to the club should not be underestimated.

• However, the Brighton manager said he trusts Carl Rushworth after cutting the keeper's loan at Hull City short

• On Julio Enciso who joined Ipswich on loan earlier on Thursday: "It's always important to take care of the development of players, especially the young players. That's the way Brighton improve young players - you have to give them the right game time, Julio played some games in the last weeks, but in general when all the offensive players are back, there's a lot of competition so we made the decision together."

• On if Evan Ferguson may leave before the deadline: "Let's see what happens in the end. There's some players still suffering with small issues. He's not fit yet. We have some days until the window is closed and we have to figure out what the situation is, what we need for the rest of the season and what the players want and make the decision together."

• On the possibility of new additions after a reported bid for Derby defender Eiran Cashin was rejected: "We have a lot of offensive players - in the defensive line we are suffering a little bit. We always manage to find solutions. No matter who we play at the weekend, we will have a strong team on the pitch. In general, I'm happy with the squad."

• On Brighton not winning at home in any of their past four games at Amex Stadium: "Home should be our castle, but at the moment we are not able to make it. It's our responsibility to make it back to our castle."

• He described the career of Everton counterpart David Moyes as "impressive", labelling the Scot "a role model".

• He also said Everton have "an easy but very effective style of play, and individual quality to hurt every team", referencing last week's victory at Tottenham.

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

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Brighton midfielder Julio Enciso has joined Ipswich on a loan deal until the end of the season.

The Paraguayan international, who turned 21 today, has made 12 Premier League appearances this season for the Seagulls, including a short cameo at Old Trafford on Sunday in their victory against Manchester United.

Speaking to TownTV, external about the move, Enciso said: "I am so happy to be here. The conversations with the manager have been good. I am very grateful to him and the club for believing in me. I'm a real fighter and I will do my best in every game."

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler said: "Julio wants to play regularly and that is not something we can guarantee with so many options in our attacking positions.

"Ipswich have offered Julio the possibility of more regular game time, and the move is the right one for all concerned.

"We will keep a close eye on his progress as the season continues, and we wish him well for his time with Ipswich."

Enciso has made 57 appearances for Albion, scoring four goals, including the Premier League Goal of the Season for the 2022-23 season after his incredible strike against Manchester City.

Image source, Getty Images

Brighton skipper Lewis Dunk has spoken to the Albion Unlimited podcast about defending from the front and the club's ambitions to get back into Europe.

He said: "That's what this manager wants. We defend as a whole team, as a unit.

"If you watch the strikers in the game, they're probably fed up running all the way back - but that's what we're about as a team.

"As long as we can keep clean sheets, we know we're in with a chance of winning the game.

"After the run we went on - the drawing - we probably thought we'd be further away from it [European places], but we weren't.

"We know we've got a big second half of the season coming up and we want to be back in Europe - that's our challenge. Those were our thoughts at the start of the season so we are still in a position to do that."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

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Brighton have recalled Carl Rushworth from his loan spell at Hull City - and also confirmed fellow goalkeeper Jason Steele is set for a period on the sidelines.

Albion have said Rushworth will return to the first-team squad, with Steele due to have surgery on an unspecified problem.

Former England Under-21 international Rushworth struggled with injuries while at Hull but did feature in the past three games for the Championship side.

Brighton technical director David Weir said: "We have recalled Carl, with Jason Steele due to undergo surgery on a problem which will sideline him for a period.

"Alongside Killian Cahill, Carl will provide goalkeeping competition for Bart Verbruggen for the period ahead."

Steele has made five appearances for the Seagulls so far this season.

Image source, Getty Images

Former Brighton player and co-host of BBC Radio Sussex's Albion Unlimited podcast Warren Aspinall says the Seagulls need to "get a roll going" at home.

Albion drew 1-1 with Arsenal last time out at Amex Stadium and have not won there since 9 November when they beat Manchester City.

"Against the bottom three sides, at home, we've only taken a point off each one and you're supposed to put them to bed. Get goals early, put them to bed, take the three points and off you go, move on to the next one. But we find it a struggle," he said.

"If I'm really honest, Ipswich should have got more points than they got [at the Amex]. Southampton should have done the same, certainly so we need to up it a little bit at home.

"The fans are there for them, making noise. It's up to the players now to up their game and we'll see if they can get started on Saturday against Everton to get a roll going on the home games."

Listen to the full episode of Albion Unlimited on BBC Sounds

In the latest Albion Unlimited podcast, Brighton captain Lewis Dunk discusses his defensive strengths, while midfielder Yasin Ayari talks about work rate.

The team also hear from the Seagulls' striker Glenn Murray, as well as ex-Everton winger Ronny Goodlass before the two sides meet this weekend.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Derby County have rejected a bid from Brighton for former Republic of Ireland Under-21 centre-back Eiran Cashin, 23. (Sky Sports, external)

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

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Less than two weeks to go now before the transfer window closes and still no clarity over the short-term future of striker Evan Ferguson.

The Republic of Ireland star is currently sidelined with an ankle injury and it is not entirely clear whether he will be fit when the window closes on 3 February.

Brighton are open minded about letting Ferguson move on loan. They can see the benefits of the 20-year-old playing regularly – although it would have to be regularly.

However, they are also mindful Danny Welbeck's injury record is patchy and Joao Pedro has also missed matches this season. The last thing Brighton want is to get deeper into the season and discover they are short in the forward department, while Ferguson is scoring goals elsewhere.

Brighton also have decisions to make over Tariq Lamptey and Joel Veltman, who are both out of contract at the end of the season. However, the club do have an option to extend on Veltman's deal, which they still have to decide whether to activate. And, while Lamptey is free to talk to other clubs, Brighton could yet offer him an extension.

Scott McCarthy
Fan writer

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When Brighton and Roberto de Zerbi underwent their acrimonious departure, Ruben Amorim was a potential replacement some Albion supporters looked wistfully at.

In the summer, there were plenty of similarities between Amorim and eventual De Zerbi successor Fabian Hurzeler. Both were young, upcoming and highly rated. And both had delivered unexpected success in their respective divisions playing 3-4-3.

But to watch Brighton tear Manchester United apart at Old Trafford on Sunday was to realise there is one significant difference.

Amorim remains wedded to 3-4-3, even though the world and his wife can see it is the least suitable formation for the United squad he has inherited.

In contrast, Hurzeler is willing to adapt and change. He is not devoted to a certain philosophy which he sticks blindly to at all costs.

Rather than enforce 3-4-3 on Brighton, Hurzeler has tended to choose formations based on winning a specific game - usually De Zerbi's successful 4-2-3-1.

Against United, Kaoru Mitoma and Yankubu Minteh were pushed high to take advantage of the inevitable gaping holes left in wide forward positions by United playing wing backs.

Mitoma set up Minteh for the first Albion goal. Minteh set up Mitoma for the second. It was another tactical masterclass from Hurzeler.

He has adapted in other ways this season too. The high defensive line was ditched after shipping four in 45 minutes at Chelsea. Game management has changed, most notably seeing matches out replacing a desire to get more goals.

Against United, Brighton took the ball into the corner in the closing stages. Not exactly revolutionary stuff for most teams. But certainly for one who have blown two-goal leads in the final five minutes twice this season by pushing to score again rather than settling for what they had.

Hurzeler's willingness to learn and change has the potential to take Brighton a long way. If Amorim wants to end United's woes, he could do a lot worse than take a lesson from his younger German counterpart.

Find more from Scott McCarthy at We Are Brighton, external

Image source, Getty Images

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

Here are some of your comments:

Man Utd fans:

Su: Brighton were full of purpose from minute one, United were not. Talking about the Onana mistake will simply cover the multitude of problems at Old Trafford. Brighton played like a hot knife through butter. This game shone a light on the fact our problems haven't gone anywhere.

Phil: I don't think the players are intelligent enough to play the system Amorim wants. We can't afford to buy players who are familiar with his system. Something has to give. Either new players, new system or - dare I say - new manager. I realise he needs more time with the players on the training ground, but I also don't think they're quick enough or fit enough. Every team we play against know the weaknesses, play through the wing-backs and attack the back three. Whatever happened to two wingers and a centre-forward? Call me old-fashioned but even in these days of possession football, you need to have possession in the final third, not in the defensive third.

Dale: Ruben has to turn his attention to damage limitation now. Just get us towards the top half of the table and focus on building the team around players like Diallo, Mazraoui and Martinez. No point spending big in January unless you can get someone who would genuinely change the whole dynamic. Better off taking the time with the players he has got to really instil his plan! The way I see it, it should now be pressure off and focus on the cups for his trophies.

Brighton fans:

Matty: Old Trafford is now our training ground. Superb second half and it is so enjoyable to see the system of taking our time, winding up the opposition then turning it on full blast in an instant. Consistency is everything now.

Joe: Some awful defending early on in a typically average scrappy first half, but a confident and deserved victory on the road. Good use of substitutes displayed our growing strength and depth.

Tim: A great result following a couple of months of mediocrity. To beat Manchester United at Old Trafford 3-1 again shows how far we have come. No need to get carried away because United are poor at the moment, but nonetheless an important win and a great week for us.

Image source, Getty Images

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler says he now wants "consistency in results" from his team after they secured their third win in a row with a 3-1 win at Manchester United on Sunday.

The result means it is now seven games unbeaten in all competitions for the Seagulls who will consider themselves back in contention for a European place.

"If you have nine points it is the perfect week so I am happy and proud for the team," Hurzeler said post-match.

"That's a positive thing. You always want to trust the process and follow the process and now it's about getting consistency in the results. The performances in the last games was very consistent which is positive so now it's about consistency in results.

"There was very good phases, especially the first minutes. When we scored we got a little bit passive but then we conceded and were active again.

"Especially in the second half I think there was a good balance between the defence and controlling the game in possession and creating chances. We were always a danger to them so I am pleased with the performance."

Following the 2-1 win at the Amex back in August, Hurzeler has become the first Brighton manager to oversee a league double over United. However, the 31-year-old was keen to play down the achievement.

"I'm not the biggest fan of records or statistics," he added.

"I'm very happy and proud for the staff and the players. I think they worked hard this week and deserved the win. Only three points but it should give us all the good energy and self-confidence to believe in our strengths.

"Tomorrow we have a day off and then we continue with the hard work. "

Listen to more reaction and analysis on BBC Radio Sussex's Albion Unlimited podcast feed on BBC Sounds

Highlights and analysis from Sunday's four Premier League fixtures, plus the best of the action from the rest of the weekend.

If you missed Match of the Day 2, catch up now on BBC iPlayer.

And you can watch Saturday's Match of the Day here.

Listen back to the weekend's full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Brentford 0-2 Liverpool

• Aston Villa 2-2 Arsenal

• Everton 3-2 Tottenham

• Man Utd 1-3 Brighton

• Ipswich 0-6 Man City

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Brighton captain Lewis Dunk, speaking to BBC Match of The Day after today's win: "We started well and then lost a bit of shape and structure, allowed them to get the goal back but we reacted well and raised the intensity.

"We stepped off a bit too much in the first half but we picked up again in the second.

"It has been a frustrating period but it's nice to feel that winning feeling again. We want to be on a good run and back in a good position.

"We've had three massive games this week and three big wins."

On the change in mentality to win three in a row at Old Trafford: "We're a different team than when we first came up. We used to just try and stay in the league and now we are competing. We have picked up some good results here but now we move on to the next one."

Image source, Getty Images

Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler, spoke to Sky Sports after today's game: "We showed a very good performance and had good balance. We dominated and made good chances in the second half."

On doing the double against Manchester United this season: "We are proud and happy but these games only give three points so we have to keep pushing. It's special to win at Old Trafford against a club with big tradition, therefore we are happy but we have to keep working day by day."

On making changes at half-time: "There is always some advice, half time is there to let players what we need to do to win. It's only small changes and it's up to the players to win the game."

Image source, Getty Images

Brighton goalscorer Georginio Rutter has been speaking to Premier League Productions after today's victory: "We are happy with three points today. There's good fans here [at Old Trafford], it's hard to play here but today we stayed calm and played with confidence."

On being in good form: "I'm very happy but it's about the team, they help me to score every week. It can be hard when a new player comes and you're expected to score straight away but they have been patient with me."

On targeting a return to Europe: "The season is long and we have to keep going like this, taking it game by game and we'll see at the end."

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United suffered their sixth home Premier League defeat of the season, their most from their opening 12 home matches of a league season since 1893-94 (7).

Brighton have scored the first goal in eight of their past 10 Premier League games against Manchester United, including each of their past three in a row at Old Trafford.

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

Have your say on Man Utd's performance

What did you make of Brighton's display?

Come back to this page on Monday to find a selection of your replies

There are four Premier League fixtures on Sunday and BBC Sport will bring you all the action.

• Everton v Tottenham

• Man Utd v Brighton - Listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Nottingham Forest v Southampton

• Ipswich v Manchester City (16:30) - Listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

All kick-off times 14:00 GMT unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

My son is the assistant manager of my fantasy team - I am Brian Clough, and he is Peter Taylor - and he told me to get Amad Diallo in this week.

Guess what? I overruled him, and obviously Diallo went on to score a hat-trick for Manchester United against Southampton.

It really was a case of United finding a way to win so late on in that game, because their performance for most of it had not been great, especially in the first half.

Being able to do that is important, so fair play to Diallo and manager Ruben Amorim, but it does not mean United have cracked it, or turned a corner.

I must say this every week about them, but they remain a work in progress and there are going to be lot more bumps in the road for Amorim.

This might be one of them, because Brighton are much tougher opposition than Saints were.

The Seagulls got back to winning ways in the league against Ipswich on Thursday. I fancy them here more than I do United, but I am going to go with a draw.

As I mentioned earlier, United have got a habit of getting something out of games, and this time they will find a way of getting a draw.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here