Brighton & Hove Albion

Sophie Brown
BBC Sport journalist

Brighton make the long trip to Sunderland, where they have lost on their five visits. Meanwhile, the Black Cats will be happy to return their focus to the league after last week's shock FA Cup defeat by Port Vale.

Domestic knockout competitions have been a sorry story this season for Sunderland, who have been dumped out of both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup by League One sides. However, fans can still take comfort from their top-flight status – and hope that it could even result in qualifying for a European competition next season.

The Black Cats' win over Leeds in their most recent Premier League game took them to the 'magical' 40-point mark. While mathematically not yet safe, relegation is very unlikely - only three teams have ever gone down at the end of a 38-game Premier League season with 40 or more points.

Sunderland were actually one of those sides in 1996-97, when they were relegated with 40 points. But the last occasion it happened was back in 2002-03 when West Ham went down with 42 points.

It is an impressive achievement by Sunderland, given all three promoted sides have been relegated in both of the past two seasons. Furthermore, the Black Cats finished 24 points behind the Championship's top two last season and required stoppage-time winners in both their play-off semi-final and final to reach the top flight.

The club weren't afraid of overhauling their squad - they recruited 15 players over the summer, spending more than £160m, a record for a Premier League promoted club - and the gamble appears to have paid off.

Since 2009-10, only two promoted teams have earned more points at this stage of the Premier League season. But the job isn't quite done, and head coach Regis le Bris admitted that his side "didn't show enough" in their abject performance against League One bottom side Port Vale last weekend.

And after only losing five of their opening 24 matches of the season, the Black Cats have since lost five of their past nine.

Brighton remain three points short of the '40' mark – it's comfortably their lowest points tally and position at this stage for the season in four years, although given the tightness in the middle of the table, even at 14th they are still nearer the European spots than the relegation zone.

Their current relatively low standing is mainly the result of a mid-season lull, during which they won just one of 13 league games. Things have improved in recent weeks, which have included two wins and three narrow 1-0 defeats, including a somewhat unlucky loss to Arsenal 10 days ago.

In that game, Brighton didn't take their chances, and lack of goals has become a familiar story – after scoring 28 in their first nine league games, the Seagulls have scored just eight in their past nine.

But at least they haven't been conceding either – only leaders Arsenal have conceded fewer than Brighton's nine in the past 10 league games.

All of which doesn't necessarily make happy reading for neutrals, with Brighton's past 15 Premier League matches having included 30 goals, fewer than any other side in this period.

I was really disappointed by Sunderland's defeat at Port Vale in the FA Cup, and not just because that was another prediction I got wrong.

It felt like an absolute gimme for Regis le Bris' side, and I wanted to see them have a decent cup run.

They have still had a great season and they have already hit 40 points so they will be absolutely fine in terms of staying up.

But they will still want to finish the season strongly, and that means they need to get their home form going again - after staying unbeaten there for so long, they have lost the past two at the Stadium of Light.

Brighton hit a sticky patch too around the turn of the year but they had picked up again with wins over Brentford and Nottingham Forest, before narrowly losing out to Arsenal last time out.

The Seagulls can reel Sunderland in and move above them in the table with a win but I don't think they will get one. Instead, I am going for a draw.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Image source, Getty Images

Brighton forward Georginio Rutter says boss Fabian Hurzeler has improved him as a player since he joined from Leeds in August 2024.

The 23-year-old was known to Hurzeler when they were both in Germany and Rutter believes working under his tutelage has given his career a boost.

"When I started to play for him, I was like: 'Wow, it's about details,'" Rutter said. "I'm a player who sometimes is a bit stubborn, but when you listen, you realise this is working better than before.

"That's why I like him because he has taught me a lot."

Hurzeler also arrived at Brighton in the summer of 2024 and at just 33, is the youngest manager in the Premier League.

Asked whether the manager's age had any impact, Rutter simply said it did not come into his mind any more.

"When I came here, I thought some players are older than him and that is a bit strange," said Rutter. "But after that, we didn't think about it. I never think: 'Oh he's so young.'

"He's my gaffer - he's my trainer."

As for trainers, Rutter was also given chance to talk at length about his favourite hobby, collecting Pokemon cards.

"Sometimes I think it's good to have something outside football," he explained. "I like to do something I love."

If he can start collecting goals for Albion between now and the end of the season, it could still be a fruitful finish for him and Hurzeler.

Nick Mashiter
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Goalkeeper Carl Rushworth admits he may need to leave Brighton to fulfil his ambitions.

The 24-year-old, on loan at Championship leaders Coventry, has been at the Seagulls for seven years.

He is yet to make a senior appearance for the club and his loan at the Sky Blues is the sixth of his career.

Rushworth has England ambitions and, as he eyes helping Coventry back to the top flight for the first time in 25 years, is considering his long-term future.

"I understand football is never easy and simple. Sometimes you've got to be selfish, see all the opportunities on the table," the former England Under-21 goalkeeper told BBC Sport.

"If that's here [Coventry], perfect, if it's at Brighton so be it. But if it's away from Brighton I'm happy to weigh up the option.

"I've been speaking to my agent and GG [Gordon Greer, Brighton's pathway's manager]. I'm trying to focus on the here and now but it's definitely a conversation to have.

"I want to be a Premier League goalkeeper, I want to have an established career and I want to get there as quick as I can.

"I do think I'm ready and I just need the opportunity and I want to take it."

Rushworth joined as a 17-year-old having been released by Huddersfield and has had loan spells at Worthing, Walsall, Lincoln, Swansea and Hull.

He has played 37 times for Coventry, keeping 13 clean sheets and is leading the race for the Championship's Golden Glove award.

The Sky Blues are eight points clear at the top with nine games left ahead of Saturday's visit of Southampton.

"This has been the best loan I've had, the most enjoyable, there have been so many positives to it," added Rushworth. "It'll be good to see how the season finishes and to keep striving about where we want to get to."

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

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• The Brighton boss admits there are "some concerns" over the fitness of Kaoru Mitoma: "Honestly, it's no injury. We made a scan. Everything is fine and therefore it's just a painful thing he suffered and he has just to overcome this pain, but it has nothing to do with his old injury. We have to wait until training finished today and then we can make a decision."

• When asked if Mitoma will be ready for the international window and to meet up with Japan, Hurzeler said: "Yes, I think so."

• He confirmed Mitoma is the "only player" with concerns for Saturday and that Solly March and Lewis Dunk will both be available to play after they missed out against Arsenal.

• Hurzeler says Evan Ferguson, who is on loan at Roma, still has a future at the club following season-ending surgery on his ankle: "I spoke to him before surgery. I am 100% sure he will come back stronger. Every player who has a contract has a future. We all know what he is capable of. He can have a big impact on the game."

• He says he has exchanged text messages with Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta after criticising Arsenal's style of play. Hurzeler explained: "It's nothing personal and I've said it before - I see him as one of the top managers in the Premier League. I texted him and said the same thing to him as well, that I have huge respect for everyone at Arsenal and I will be the first one to congratulate them when they win the Premier League, because if they win it they will definitely deserve it."

• He then says he believes he has a right to express his opinion: "But on the other side there were just things that made me emotional and I am a person that sticks to my principles, sticks to my opinion, although it created a lot of noise. I think that's important in life."

• When asked if Arteta responded to his messages he said: "Yes. We had a good exchange before in general and also afterwards he shared his opinion, I shared my opinion. In the end it's football, it's about emotions, everyone defending his side, everyone trying to defend his opinion."

• On whether fans saw a different side to him after the Arsenal game: "I wouldn't say that you saw a different person. I'm always very passionate. I love this game. I love working for Brighton. I love wearing the Seagulls colours and therefore I will always be 100% passionate about this club. Maybe sometimes too much regarding the yellow cards I already received!"

Hit play above to hear Hurzeler speaking to BBC Radio Sussex about passion, a new deal for Jack Hinshelwood and Oliver Boscagli or listen on BBC Sounds here

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

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Georginio Rutter says everyone is Brighton is "frustrated" by how the season has gone as he targets a strong end to the 2025-26 campaign.

Albion are 14th in the table, out of the way of the scramble to avoid relegation but at the bottom of a scrum of clubs vying to qualify for European football next year.

"It's been a frustrating season - for the team and for me as well," Rutter told BBC Sport. "Started good but we didn't win for long. Last year was better.

"For the city, for the club, we had the target to play in Europe. It's not finished yet but I am frustrated when I go home. It's not been easy this year."

So far Rutter has two goals and two assists in 24 Premier League games, whereas last term he bagged five and three respectively in 28 league appearances.

He recognises he has not hit the standards he sets for himself.

"I don't score a lot - I've done some assists but it could be better," he said. "That is football and every week I have a chance to score and do my best.

"I'm trying to find a good balance, but it's not easy."

Image source, Getty Images

Ninety per cent of Brighton and Hove Albion season ticket holders have renewed their season tickets for the Seagulls' 2026-2027 campaign.

In a club statement, deputy chair and chief executive Paul Barber emphasised the value of fan loyalty: "We saw the lift a full stadium can give the players in that crucial phase of the game recently against Nottingham Forest, to help the team across the line, and when we played Arsenal, as we pushed to get something late in the match.

"That support isn't ever taken for granted by Fabian and the players and it can genuinely be the difference between a draw and a win."

Brighton collected feedback which revealed that, for those who chose not to renew, the main cause was personal reasons such as relocation or job changes - while the increasing cost of living was also a factor.

The club also acknowledged that transport is an important issue to match-going fans: "Although the club isn't the provider of transport services and has no control, our operations team are continuously working with our travel providers to encourage and support improvements to match day services wherever it's possible to do so."

Barber added that options for new and returning season ticket holders will be made available soon: "There will be a very good choice of seats for MyAlbion+ members on our season ticket waiting list and new applicants as we look forward to an historic season in which we celebrate our 125-year anniversary."

Forward Georginio Rutter discusses "very young" Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler and says that, despite his tender age, the German has plenty of football knowledge to pass on.

Image source, Getty Images

Last week, Brighton midifleder Jack Hinshelwood signed a new contract with the club.

The academy graduate has put pen to paper on a three-year deal, with head coach Fabian Hurzeler saying he was "delighted to have secured his future here".

Former Brighton defender Guy Butters says he hopes Hinshelwood will have his "mind set on staying for a few years" amid interest from bigger clubs.

"He was outstanding in the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, and people don't realise how much that takes out of you," Butters told the Albion Unlimited podcast.

"Normally at the end of the season as a young pro you want to get off, relax and and you're probably told to get away from it all and to get your head sorted for the new season. To then have to go and play in and win an international tournament, and what all of that entails with the press, it had probably taken a toll on him at the start of this season.

"Now, he is doing fantastically well and It doesn't surprise that the big clubs have come calling. It is brilliant that he has signed a new contract and hopefully his mind is set on staying for a few years now. You never know, he might become a new Solly March or Lewis Dunk, where he stays for most of his career."

Listen to the full discussion on BBC Sounds

Brighton are confident of beating Chelsea to the summer signing of Cologne's German winger Said El Mala, 19, who has impressed in his first season in the Bundesliga. (Football Insider), external

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Pascal Gross discusses the Arsenal game, former winger Will Buckley looks back at his Albion career and ex-defender Guy Butters looks ahead to the trip to Sunderland.

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

Explore all Brighton content 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

The best description I have seen of Fabian Hurzeler is that he is what you would get if you asked scientists in a laboratory to create a human being based on being a walking, talking LinkedIn post.

Buzz phrases like trusting the process wrapped up in shades of beige. And this explains why Hurzeler has struggled to build much of a rapport with Brighton fans. Because how can you connect with someone who has displayed so little charisma in public?

Which is why it was so good – and surprising – to see Hurzeler going after Arsenal for their timewasting tactics and gamesmanship before and after the Gunners' 1-0 win at the Amex last week.

Diplomatic Hurzeler was gone. In his place came firebrand Hurzeler, spitting feathers like a TruthSocial post as opposed to a LinkedIn essay.

Or to put it in Brighton manager terms rather than social media platform metaphors… Hurzeler went from German Graham Potter to channelling the ghost of Roberto de Zerbi.

Whilst Hurzeler's comments sparked mini tantrums from Mikel Arteta and Arsenal fans online, plenty of Seagulls supporters said it was the first time they felt a proper connection to the manager since his arrival.

This was Hurzeler speaking like a proper football fan rather than regurgitating an overly respectful corporate dictionary - the manager Brighton fans thought they were getting when, in his first news conference, he said he had come to the Albion to challenge the establishment.

Those initial words befitted a young bloke fresh from the Hamburg Reeperbahn, where he celebrated winning the Bundesliga 2 title with St Pauli by lighting flares alongside supporters.

More of this Hurzeler for the rest of the season, please. Because along with winning games, displaying personality is his best shot of turning around the opinions of those fans who have turned against him.

Find more from Scott McCarthy at We Are Brighton, external

Brighton defender Olivier Boscagli feels it was a "really cruel" way for them to lose against Arsenal with the Gunners' "frustrating tactics" in the 1-0 defeat.

The Premier League leaders have come in for criticism in recent weeks for their approach in games, with onlookers believing they are employing gamesmanship tactics and being over-reliant on set-piece goals.

Tempers flared in the match at the Amex on Wednesday night and boss Fabian Hurzeler said after the match: "I think there was only one team who tried to play football today."

According to Opta, Arsenal took 30 minutes and 51 seconds to restart play against Brighton, their highest total in a Premier League match this season.

"Really cruel for us. Difficult to accept this," Boscagli told BBC Radio Sussex. "But a lot of things we can take away that we can be proud of from what we did on the pitch. This kind of team, they are good in every phase of the game, not for nothing they are first.

"It was smart from them [the way they played], but I think it was a bit too much in my opinion, but it needs to be with the referees. We can't do anything, they need to take care of net play time.

"It can be frustrating sometimes, because you know this decision goes more in their way [in this match]. But we also had occasions to score goals and we can't hide behind this.

"But, of course, it is part of the game and difficult because it is difficult to speak with them [officials], everywhere the same. We can't blame this as we had enough time to score goals, but we can also learn from this. We can learn from this team also because even when they don't play well they still win.

"There is also something to do on this from the league because it was quite big tonight, but we can't change anything."

Listen to full interview by clicking play above or on BBC Sounds

In defence of Arsenal - is criticism of Premier League leaders unfair?

We asked for your thoughts after Wednesday's Premier League game between Brighton and Arsenal.

Here are some of your comments:

Home team fans

Nigel: The reason Brighton lost is not Arsenals fault for the way they played, it's Brightons fault for not scoring when they had the chance! Fabian is moaning and blaming Arsenal but your players didn't score! Simple!

Chris: Toothless up front again. A familiar theme this season. Uncle Tony needs to crunch the data and sign us a goalscorer or two this summer ... please.

Fran: Played recently well tonight. Arsenal's defence kept them in the game. We dominated and they created very little, The referee and linesman were absolutely awful. Didn't seem to know what was going on around them.Completely ruined the whole game.

Graham: Brighton play some excellent football but play a team of mainly midfielders who are extremely limited in goalscoring which costs them valuable points. They need to splash out the cash for a top class striker such as Ivan Toni. They might then qualify for the Champions league.

Sam: Decent performance until the final third. Too many players not sharp enough - Mitoma needs to work on his finishing, no idea what has happened to Georginio and we do look blunt. Arsenal and the referee though, my god. Time wasting, diving, rolling on the floor and the referee allowed this to happen. Disgusting to be brutally honest. I can't believe that Arsenal, with their tactics, are going to win the league. Never left a game as angry.

Away team fans

Vince: Good result, poor performance. What ever happened to all that attractive passing football from Arteta's earlier days at the managerial helm? We bought Gyokeres to give us the Plan B option of no-nonsense, route one football but now that seems more the norm than the exception. That said, like most fans, I'll gladly accept it if we win the title. Which I suppose is why Arteta has turned this into Plan A.

Steve: It looked like we were using this game as a training session for our defense. Disappointing but 3 points works for me.

Mark: Pivotal night possibly in race for prem. With trip to Germany hope Arteta leaves almost all starting 11 at home for fa cup tie. No need for them to travel regardless of result and one of few times left in season we can take that liberty. A few days at home to recharge is massive as we look mentally tired in so many of recent games.

Gabriel: Heart was in my throat. Credit to Brighton for how they played, but we need more attacking intent. I saw nothing special in attack, and if we want to win this league, we need more from the boys up top. End of the day, 7 points clear, let's stay humble Gunners

Matthew: Arsenal showed character tonight against Brighton. Away games like this are never easy, especially against a team that plays good football and presses well. The important thing is that Arsenal managed the game well and stayed disciplined. These are the kinds of matches that win you titles — grinding out results even when it's not perfect. If Arsenal are going the league , performances like this are exactly what the team need.

Pundits Micah Richards and Danny Murphy join host Mark Chapman to bring you the action and talking points from the midweek Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds

Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

Image source, Getty Images

Brighton's recent upturn in form gave them optimism going up against the league leaders and they took the fight to Arsenal from the first whistle.

It was a deflection and goalkeeping error from Bart Verbruggen that eventually undermined their strenuous efforts, with the growing frustration around Amex Stadium at what Brighton fans saw as Arsenal's spoiling tactics adding to the mood of frenzy.

Fabian Hurzeler was a frantic figure on the touchline, berating the officials while urging on his own players, but Brighton's best chance came and went when Mats Wieffer missed that big second-half opportunity.

Even in defeat, there was much to encourage Brighton, their efforts appreciated by the fans who gave them a rousing ovation at the end.

This was, however, a night of pure frustration for the Seagulls.

Midfielder Pascal Gross spoke to TNT Sports after Brighton's defeat against Arsenal: "They play for the title, they're very solid, not easy to score against. We created some half-chances. They didn't create much. When you go 1-0 down, it's always tough and we couldn't score. They played the game until the end.

On penalty shout: "I've not seen it back. When I go in the box, the way they defend on the edge, also with corners.

"From corners, they block us, they don't even watch the ball. That's how it is, but it's also why they keep a clean sheet. They defend strong and on the edge.

"It kills the rhythm. If you watch the games back, they're very good at doing it. They take time setting things up for themselves. It plays in their favour.

"Sometimes we missed the last pass or the finish. We need more belief that we cna do it."

Hear more from Hurzeler on BBC Sounds

Did you know?

Three of Brighton's last five Premier League games have been 0-1 defeats (v Crystal Palace, Aston Villa & Arsenal) – as many losses by this scoreline as in their previous 160 top-flight games combined (3).

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 Arsenal's display?

Come back on Thursday for a selection of your replies

Brighton have left experienced pair James Milner and Danny Welbeck on the bench as Fabian Hurzeler makes three changes from the side that beat Nottingham Forest at the weekend.

Carlos Baleba comes in for Milner in midfield, while Georginio Rutter plays up front instead of Welbeck. Olivier Boscagli replaced Lewis Dunk in defence, with the latter nursing a knee injury.

Brighton XI: Verbruggen, Van Hecke, Rutter, Hinshelwood, Baleba, Boscagli, Mitoma, Kadioglu, Gomez, Wieffer, Gross.

Subs: Steele, Minteh, Welbeck, Milner, Ayari, De Cuyper, O'Riley, Veltman, Howell

Arsenal will be without key defender William Saliba, who has an ankle knock, with Christhian Mosquera coming in. There is a change in attack as Gabriel Martinelli replaces Leandro Trossard.Declan Rice picked up a knock in the win against Arsenal on Sunday, but he is fit to start.

Arsenal XI: Raya, Timber, Mosquera, Gabriel, Hincapie, Rice, Zubimendi, Eze, Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli

Subs: Kepa, Jesus, Norgaard, Trossard, Madueke, Havertz, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly, Dowman

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

• Aston Villa v Chelsea - BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2

• Brighton v Arsenal - BBC Radio 5 Live

• Fulham v West Ham

• Manchester City v Nottingham Forest -BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Newcastle v Manchester United (20:15) - BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 3

Kick-off times 19:30 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 Brighton v Arsenal" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Newcastle v Man Utd", for instance.

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

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Brighton's Solly March says he had "questions and doubts" over his return to first-team action before featuring for the first time in 11 months.

March came on as a second half substitute in Sunday's win over Nottingham Forest for his first taste of action since suffering a serious knee injury in April 2025.

"It's been a long time coming, a long journey," the 31-year-old told BBC Radio Sussex.

"Probably a bit longer than expected but it's great to be back out there again. I've been training properly the last few weeks so hopefully long may it continue.

"Until you're actually out there you question it and doubt it but in the last few weeks I've been close. Last week I travelled with the team and got a sniff, and for now to be on the bench and come on is a great feeling.

"Hopefully I can be involved now for the rest of the season."

It is the second lengthy spell out March has endured as a result of a serious knee injury after previously missing 14 months between October 2023 and December 2024 with an ACL rupture.

After returning, he was injured again just four months later. March joined the squad in Marbella for pre-season last summer while following his own fitness regime but had lost strength and muscle around the affected knee and had to wait until Sunday to be deemed fit for the Premier League.

"Just maybe trying to be a bit more thorough and making sure to double tick boxes," he added when asked what he had done differently this time.

"Just taking that little bit of extra time and making sure the knee is in a good place in the first place rather than chasing it which I maybe was looking back at it. My knee wasn't responding last time whereas it is this time which does make it easier.

"It's just taking it step-by-step slowly and building up the minutes. Hopefully I can progress each game and earn a place in the team eventually."

Listen to the full chat on BBC Sounds