Get ready for a captivating Premier League showdown as arch-rivals Brighton & Hove Albion prepare to host Crystal Palace at the American Express Stadium this Sunday. This isn’t just another league fixture; it’s a crucial battle with significant implications for both sides, who find themselves entangled in a challenging run of form.
Both the Seagulls and the Eagles are desperately seeking a turning point in their seasons. Brighton has managed a solitary victory in their last 11 top-flight encounters, while Crystal Palace arrives at the Amex enduring a disheartening nine-game winless streak. With Brighton currently sitting 13th and Palace 15th, separated by just two points, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A win for either team would provide a much-needed injection of confidence, propel them towards the comfort of the top half, and alleviate any lingering relegation anxieties, especially following West Ham’s recent win over Burnley.
Before the ball gets rolling, let’s dive into all the essential information, including how to watch and the official team selections.
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## Brighton’s Confirmed Starting XI
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## Crystal Palace’s Confirmed Starting XI
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## How to Watch Brighton vs Crystal Palace
The highly anticipated clash between Brighton and Crystal Palace is scheduled to kick off at **2 PM UK time**. Fans in the United Kingdom can catch every moment of the action live on **Sky Sports** and via the **Sky Go app**, as part of their comprehensive Super Sunday coverage.
For our international audience, if you’re tuning in from outside the UK, you can find details on which station will be broadcasting the game in your region by clicking [HERE](link-to-international-broadcasters).
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## The Statistical Showdown: Unpacking the Derby Dynamics
This fixture is notorious for its unpredictability, and the current form guide only adds to the intrigue. Let’s delve into the numbers that paint a picture of this pivotal encounter.
### Head-to-Head History & Recent Form Guide
Historically, this rivalry has often been a tight affair. Brighton has secured just two victories in their last 13 Premier League meetings against Crystal Palace, drawing seven and losing four. However, both of those wins have come on their home turf, offering a glimmer of hope for the Seagulls. Conversely, Crystal Palace has enjoyed a more dominant recent spell, winning two of their last three top-flight encounters with Brighton, matching their win tally from the previous 12 games.
Both clubs have suffered a significant dip in fortunes since the start of December. Alongside Wolves and Burnley, Brighton and Crystal Palace have each managed to collect a paltry nine points, highlighting their shared struggle for consistency. Palace’s woes are further underlined by their joint-worst goal difference (-10) during this period, having scored just eight goals while conceding 18.
### Brighton’s Home Fortress vs. Their Achilles’ Heel
While the Amex Stadium often feels like a fortress for the Seagulls – losing fewer home Premier League games (4) in the last two seasons than only Liverpool and Arsenal – there’s a troubling trend emerging. Brighton has won just one of their last four league matches after taking the lead, drawing one and losing two. They’ve squandered advantages in their last two outings (one draw, one loss), a consecutive occurrence they’ll be desperate to avoid for a third time. This inability to close out games, despite their strong home record (only two losses in their last 20 at the Amex, both against Aston Villa), could be a critical factor.
### Crystal Palace’s Barren Run and Goal Drought
Crystal Palace arrives at the Amex desperately seeking an end to their nine-game winless streak in the Premier League, consisting of three draws and six losses. They haven’t endured a longer winless run since a 12-game stretch between January and March 2023. Their attacking output has been particularly alarming since Matchday 16, the start of their current barren run. The Eagles have scored a league-low five goals in this period and significantly underperformed their expected goals (13.3 xG vs 5 actual goals), boasting the worst differential in the league (-8.3). Interestingly, Brighton is the next-worst in this metric with a -4.5 differential (9 goals from 13.5 xG).
### Key Players to Watch
Amidst the goal-scoring struggles, certain individuals could prove pivotal in breaking the deadlock. For Crystal Palace, Jean-Philippe Mateta leads their scoring charts in all competitions for the 2025-26 season with 10 goals. Close behind is Ismaïla Sarr, with nine goals, who also boasts a memorable performance at the Amex last December, where he netted twice and assisted another in Palace’s 3-1 victory. Their contributions will be vital if the Eagles are to snatch a much-needed win.