Brighton starting XI: Verbruggen, De Cuyper, Boscagli, Dunk, Kadioglu, Gross, Baleba, Howell, Mitoma, Kostoulas, Rutter
Subs: Gomez, Hinshelwood, Milner, Minteh, O'Riley, Steele, Welbeck, Veltman, Julio
Crystal Palace starting XI: Henderson, Lerma, Lacroix, Richards, Mitchell, Wharton, Hughes, Munoz, Pino, Sarr, Strand Larsen
Subs: Benitez, Canvot, Clyne, Johnson, Kamada, Riad, Sosa, Uche, Guessand
There are two games in the Premier League on Sunday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.
Brighton v Crystal Palace (14:00) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live
Liverpool v Man City (16:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live
Kick-off times GMT
Follow Brighton v Crystal Palace here
And go here for Liverpool v Man City
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 Crystal Palace" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Liverpool v Man City".
Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds
Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League games this season, against AI, BBC Sport readers and a variety of guests.
His guest for week 25 is Gladiators star Apollo, real name Alex Gray, who supports Newcastle.
Sutton says: Palace have brought in Jorgen Strand Larsen and kept Jean-Philippe Mateta, so Eagles boss Oliver Glasner has got some options up front.
I normally predict a draw in this game, and it ended up 0-0 at Selhurst Park in November. This time, though, I fancy Brighton.
The Seagulls didn't quite get over the line against Everton, but them conceding late on actually won me some points. I am going for them to keep a clean sheet here though.
Sutton's prediction: 2-0
Apollo's prediction: 0-1
AI's prediction: 2-1
For both Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace, 2026 has been a year to forget so far. Each will be hoping a win over their bitter rivals can salvage something from their campaign when they meet at the Amex Stadium on Sunday (14:00 GMT) in the Premier League.
Brighton are on a run of just one win in 11 Premier League games. Their misery was extended last weekend when they were pegged back at home by Everton thanks to a 97th-minute equaliser from Beto.
The Seagulls may take some comfort from the fact that their rivals are in even worse form. Palace have not picked up a win in their last 12 matches in all competitions and have endured a January of off-the-pitch chaos.
Seagulls' wings clipped by late goals
Brighton and Palace are 11 and nine points clear of the relegation zone respectively. A win for either would allow them to start looking towards a potential top-half finish.
But at times this season, both sides have had much loftier ambitions. Six weeks into the campaign, Palace were third - they were still fourth 10 games ago - while Brighton also broke into the top five at the end of Matchweek 13.
Since then, both have slid down the table. Only Wolves and Burnley have taken fewer points than the two clubs since the start of December.
Brighton have been nowhere near their best lately, but they have been undone by stoppage-time goals in their last two outings, falling to defeat at Fulham and dropping two points at home to Everton.
One side-plot to watch this weekend will be James Milner's pursuit of the Premier League appearances record. If he features, the 40-year-old will draw level with current leader Gareth Barry on 653 games.
That milestone will matter little to Brighton supporters if they fail to vanquish their rivals on Sunday, though and Palace will rarely have arrived at this fixture in a worse state.
Palace look to push on after nightmare month
Not only has head coach Oliver Glasner confirmed he will be leaving at the end of the season, but Palace sold captain Marc Guehi and failed to cash in on wantaway forward Jean-Philippe Mateta on transfer deadline day.
On the positive side for supporters, Jorgen Strand Larsen did arrive and should provide fresh impetus at the point of attack. The targetman, who bagged an impressive 14 goals last season for Wolves, is looking for a spark having scored only once in the Premier League this campaign.
The match should also throw up an intriguing clash of styles. Brighton are one of the most aggressive pressing teams in the division - they lead the league for high turnovers - and look to dominate possession when they have it.
By contrast, Palace are statistically the most direct team in the Premier League with the ball. They advance the ball forward on average at 2.1 metres per second, with Brentford second most vertical at 1.95 metres.
The Eagles are also second-lowest for average passes per sequence (3.11) and for average sequence time (7.94 seconds).
Image source, Getty ImagesJames Milner has been described as the "consummate professional" on BBC Radio 5 Live's The Commentators' View podcast, as he closes in on Gareth Barry's record for most appearances in the Premier League.
If Milner features for Brighton against Crystal Palace on Sunday, he will reach 653, the same number Barry finished with when he retired in 2020.
Speaking on the podcast, BBC senior football reporter Ian Dennis said: "I did spend a lot of time with him when I covered the England under-21s. There was a tournament in Holland in 2007 and then I remember him in Sweden in 2009 and spoke a lot to him when he was an England international at various England camps. And the way he has conducted himself, he is the model pro, isn't he? He is the consummate professional."
BBC commentator Alistair Bruce-Ball added: "The other thing when we're talking about being the consummate professional, 40 years old, he gets on for a minute or two at the end of that game [last weekend] and annoyingly when he's on, Everton equalise.
"You've got to do all the running after the game because you've only played a couple of minutes of football, but when you're in your 24th season of Premier League football, and you're still prepared to do all of that, that says something in itself."
BBC football correspondent John Murray touched on how much Milner will have had to look after himself to sustain the longevity he has had, saying: "It can't be a coincidence that he's kept himself fit over the years, which I think attests to himself being a professional. He's clearly had to look after himself to be able to do that."
Neil Johnston
BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty ImagesTwenty-four years after making his debut, James Milner, 40, will equal the record for most Premier League appearances if he features for Brighton against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
A stellar career spanning more than two decades, six top-flight clubs, 652 Premier League appearances, 61 England caps, three Premier League titles, two FA Cups and one Champions League triumph has also delivered some unexpected moments.
Milner is set to go level with Gareth Barry, who played 653 times, at the top of the all-time Premier League appearance list some 8,491 days after making his debut for hometown club Leeds United soon after leaving school in 2002.
Milner was just 16 and earning £70 a week as a YTS player when he broke into the first team at Leeds, six months after taking his GCSE exams.
Milner signed for Newcastle in a deal worth £5m in 2005.
Alan Shearer, who played with Milner at Newcastle, describes him as a model professional and a "manager's dream".
"You would do well if you had him in your squad because you knew exactly what you were going to get," adds former England captain Shearer.
However, a year after signing, Milner was sent out on loan to Premier League rivals Aston Villa, with then Magpies boss Graeme Souness defending his decision at the time saying "you won't win the league with James Milners".
Milner had impressed on loan at Villa so much that in September 2006 they offered around £4m to sign him permanently but Newcastle pulled out of the deal at the 11th hour at the end of the transfer window and he would not get his permanent switch to Villa for another two years.
In 2020 he opted for the challenge of reviving Manchester City's fortunes and left five years later having helped them win two Premier League titles, one FA Cup, one League Cup and one Community Shield.
"We won the Premier League together in 2012 but there were times that season when things were not going well," recalls former City defender Micah Richards.
"He was one of the people who kept everyone going."
After 147 top-flight appearances for City, he was ready for his next challenge.
Next stop...Liverpool, where he won the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, Uefa Super Cup, Fifa Club World Cup and the Community Shield.
After Liverpool came an offer from Brighton in 2023 to prolong his top-flight career, where he continues to compete in what is his 24th Premier League season.
Milner became the Premier League's second-oldest goalscorer earlier this season and celebrated by recreating Diogo Jota's celebration in tribute to his former Liverpool team-mate, who died in a car crash last July.
"I've not scored [in the Premier League] for six years and I was wearing his number. Obviously, I've got help from the great man," said an emotional Milner after the match.
Image source, GoogleMilner still remembers a conversation with veteran Leeds goalkeeper Nigel Martyn soon after breaking into the first team 24 years ago.
"He told me, 'Enjoy it while you can because it goes so fast'. I said, 'Leave it out, Nige, I'm 16!'
"And here we are in the blink of an eye - and I'm where he was."
Image source, Getty ImagesBrighton defender Joel Veltman says Sunday's game against Crystal Palace is unique because of the rivalry between the two clubs.
Albion are winless in their last three against the Eagles and haven't beaten them since February 2024.
"These games, it doesn't matter if we are first or they are bottom," Veltman told BBC Radio Sussex.
"We are quite close to each other now which is exciting. This game is on itself, loads of passion, lots of duels and fighting going on. It's a nice game. I love those games where the crowd is even more intense. Those duels I love to play."
Brighton are only two points above Palace and are seeking their first win in five league games, but Veltman said Fabian Hurzeler's side want a strong finish to the season.
"We do normally end the season well, like with Graham [Potter] and Roberto [De Zerbi]," he said.
"Hopefully we can continue that and we need to because we want to climb up the table. We need three points, we need big performances and that will hopefully start on Sunday."
Josh Lobley
BBC Sport journalist
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Crystal Palace at Amex Stadium (kick-off 14:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Hurzeler confirmed that Diego Gomez is back and available for selection. Mats Wieffer is close to returning but Yasin Ayari, who picked up a "small shoulder issue" in Saturday's draw with Everton, will not be available.
He added that these injuries will not change his side's approach - the focus is more on game management which has "cost them points" in recent games.
He gave an assessment of the winter transfer window at the Amex: "I am really happy to work with this squad. Of course we had some players who left to get more game time, but overall I see good depth with a lot of potential. It's up to us to make the best out of it."
He was asked about Brajan Gruda, who has been loaned out to Bundesliga side RB Leipzig: "It was driven by both [the club and player]. We have enough offensive options so we need to figure out what is best for the club and development of the player."
On Matt O'Riley, who has returned after being loaned to Marseille: "He offers us experience and a danger in the opponents' box. We are pleased that he is back because he is not only a good player but has a good character which fits in to our values."
On James Milner, who will match the all-time Premier League appearance record in his next match: "He will definitely be in the squad. He is a role model and a great character to work with. Playing and training at the level he plays, it is incredible what he is doing. I think it will be a special thing for him but he is also focused on the ambitions of the club."
Hear a section of Hurzeler's news conference on BBC Sounds
Follow all of Thursday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news
Brighton's Cameroonian Carlos Baleba, 22, is included on Manchester United's list of midfield targets. (Athletic - subscription required), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column
Image source, Getty ImagesBrighton fan and football journalist covering Marseille, George Boxall, believes Matt O'Riley's early return to the Seagulls for his loan spell with the French side "works out for both teams".
O'Riley has played 25 times for Marseille this season but opportunities to start games were limited more recently.
"I think it makes sense for all parties concerned," Boxall told the Albion Unlimited podcast from BBC Radio Sussex.
"As soon as Marseille signed Quinten Timber and signed Ethan Nwaneri on loan, I think the writing was on the wall for O'Riley.
"He's not become an indispensable asset for Roberto De Zerbi's side and he has been moved around in terms of position, a bit like under Fabian Hurzeler at Brighton last season.
"It's a deal that works out for both teams and I wasn't surprised at the news."
Boxall added: "There is a lot of churn at Marseille, especially in the midfield. They have tried a lot of combinations.
"For O'Riley, he started in that 10 position and started well, but then lost his way. De Zerbi didn't fancy him in that position so moved him back next to Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
"He can cover a lot of ground but does not have the impact of a Timber who is more of a De Zerbi player and allows him to play a diamond.
"The loan was underwhelming overall but he got some good experience and played in seven Champions League games. With Brajan Gruda going out on loan, there is a little spot there for him at Brighton."
The latest episode of the Albion Unlimited podcast from BBC Radio Sussex reflects on Brighton's draw with Everton and Matt O'Riley's return to the Seagulls from a loan spell at Marseille.
There is also a preview of Sunday's Premier League game against rivals Crystal Palace.
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
Joe Sayers
Fan writer
Image source, Getty ImagesOur January window started in the most perfect way you could possibly imagine for Brighton fans, with Pascal Gross making a shock return to bolster experience in our midfield.
There was hope that, with a few gaps starting to form in the squad, we would be relatively active in a January window for once.
With the big injury to Stefanos Tzimas, it has left us incredibly light up top. Only Danny Welbeck and Babis Kostoulas remain as our two options to lead the line.
An injury to Welbeck could mean the pressure then falls onto an 18-year-old to be the main man, and while he might relish that challenge, I think it is far too much pressure to be put under in your first season in the Premier League.
I am really confused about the decision to let both Tommy Watson and Brajan Gruda go out on loan. Again, we are one Yankuba Minteh or Karou Mitoma injury away from scrambling to find a stopgap solution rather than having players we know can be effective in those areas.
We have managed to get to the end of the window without any more rumours of big players leaving us, which will be as important as additions to the squad.
It is clear to see how important players such as Jan Paul van Hecke and Carlos Baleba are to our side. With these important cogs of the machine still in place, the heart of this team is still beating strong.
Overall, I am slightly worried that we are going into the back end of the season with a much shallower squad. Fabian Hurzeler has assured fans we will be where we want to be at the end of the season, so let's just wait and see...
Find more from Joe Sayers at Albion Obsessed, external
Brighton have done the following business on deadline day:
Caylan Vickers, 21, has joined Wigan Athletic on loan, with sporting director Jason Ayto stating it was a "good move" and "opportunity to play regularly".
Andrew Moran has joined Preston North End on a permanent transfer, for undisclosed terms. "The next step for him is to establish himself somewhere and, with that in mind, a permanent transfer suits all parties," said Seagulls' sporting director Jason Ayto.
Brajan Gruda has moved to RB Leipzig on loan until the end of the season.
This is your Brighton page. Hit follow if you're on the website and you'll see more Seagulls content when you visit us. On the app? Hit the bell icon and select news alerts. We'll then send you the best bits.
Image source, Getty ImagesBrighton manager Fabian Hurzeler says he expects Matt O'Riley to "positively impact the team" after the midfielder returned from his loan spell at Marseille.
Denmark international O'Riley played 25 times for the French club this season.
Hurzeler said: "We're pleased to welcome Matt back to the club. We know all about his qualities, and I have no doubt he will settle back into the group very quickly.
"He's had a good spell with Marseille, playing regular domestic football and in the Champions League, and we believe he can positively impact the team in the second half of the season."
The 25-year-old joined Albion from Celtic in August 2024, making 23 appearances in his first season with the club.
He made two Premier League appearances for them at the start of this season, scoring from the penalty spot in the 1-1 draw with Fulham on the opening day.
Image source, Getty ImagesBrighton playmaker Brajan Gruda has joined RB Leipzig on loan until the end of the season.
Gruda, who joined Albion in 2024 from Mainz, has made 45 appearances, scoring four goals and contributing eight assists.
Head coach Fabian Hurzeler said: "Brajan wants regular football, and we are not able to guarantee him that in the second half of the season, so this loan represents a good move for all parties.
"This move gives him that opportunity and a chance to continue his development. We wish him well for the remainder of the season."
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked you what still needs to happen before the transfer window closes at 19:00 GMT on Monday.
Here are some of your comments:
Fran: Have said for months that we need a clinical goalscorer - one who puts away the easy chances we are currently missing. We keep getting defenders when we don't need them. Other teams get them so they are out there. You can't keep getting potential at this level to succeed.
Jon: We are lacking cover at right-back, as Hurzeler doesn't seem to fancy Veltman. Hate to say, but I think the main change has to be the manager as he is costing us points every week.
Jerry: We desperately need more striking power. We create lots of chances, but need someone who can convert the chances into goals.
Martin: We need a replacement for Joao Pedro - difficult but essential if we want to be in Europe. Bring back Ferguson as extra firepower.
Finn: I am writing this after the Everton game and I think we need a 27 or 28-year-old striker or someone who we know can score in the Premier League.
Barney: Sack Hurzeler. We have been so incompetent, sloppy and inconsistent under him - and he now makes the stadium look like a library. We play playground football and he keeps blaming it on luck.
Ask us questions about Brighton and we'll put them to our experts
Today is the final chance of the season for your Premier League team to do transfer business.
The window closes at 19:00 GMT, meaning teams - and fans - can avoid the usual late-night transfer scramble.
It has already been a busy window - for some teams anyway - but whether it turns out to be a day of transfer action or a pretty quiet one for your club, you will be able to keep across it all on BBC Sport.
Follow our live text coverage throughout the day here
Get alerts and keep up to date with all the latest news, insight and fan views for your club
Brighton are in negotiations with Marseille over a return for on-loan midfielder Matt O'Riley. (Athletic - subscription), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column
Image source, Getty ImagesBrighton boss Fabian Hurzeler says forward Tommy Watson's loan move to Millwall will "really benefit his development".
Watson arrived at Amex Stadium from Sunderland in the summer - after scoring the winning goal for the Black Cats in the Championship play-off final - and has made 10 appearances this season.
"Tommy's settled in well, but has had a frustrating time with injuries, but he's now fit and keen to play, and this gives him the opportunity," said Hurzeler.
"He is an exciting young player, and he now has the chance to help Millwall with their Premier League promotion push.
"The move will really benefit his development. It'll give him significant game time and allow him to build on an outstanding breakthrough season with Sunderland last season, when he was integral in their promotion.
"We wish him well for the second half of the season and look forward to welcoming him back in the summer."
Image source, Getty ImagesBrighton midfielder Pascal Gross says the Seagulls must be "smart" when managing games after conceding in added time for the second week in a row.
Following Fulham's 92nd-minute winner last weekend, Everton's Beto found a 97th-minute equaliser at Amex Stadium on Saturday to deny Fabian Hurzeler's side three points.
"Painful," Gross said post-match. "It's the second week in a row. For us, it's about the players putting in the last little bit of effort.
"Always things can happen in the Premier League with the quality because other teams push us on but you need 11 men behind the ball, play the game smart, and to do everything for the team to protect those three points.
"We know how hard it is to get those three points and with the effort we put in we deserved them probably but the Premier League is ruthless and I think we have to improve a lot faster from last week as it has happened again this week.
"We need to sit down and also speak about game management.
"You need to understand what time of the game it is and you can't play the same if it's the 10th minute or the last minute, or if we are 1-0 up or 1-0 down.
"There are certain ways you have to do it; you win one more throw, you take the pace out of the game, you need to play it smart.
"We need to grow fast. We have a lot of talent but we need to speak about it as players. We should all be good enough as a team to solve it on the pitch."
This content isn't available anymore.
There was an error
We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Brighton and Everton.
Here are some of your comments:
Brighton fans
Sarah: I feel like crying after watching that match. It's like Groundhog Day. The first half was dull but we were the better team for the whole of the second half. Our second goal didn't look offside to me and then we concede 30 seconds after the end of stoppage time when the match should have finished! I have no idea why Fabian Hurzeler felt the need to take Pascal Gross off and substitute him for Milner in the last minute of the game - again! Gross was furious. It completely mucked up the flow of the game, and cost us the win and five places in the table.
Malcolm: Hurzeler has to go. He is so out of his depth in the Premier League. The players do not seem up for the fight and the tactics are atrocious. Bring on next season as there is nothing left this time around.
Michael: Another really poor display. Brighton haven't played a good game since they beat Leeds in November. The performances have been awful and I think the manager needs to go at the end of the season. I'm seriously considering getting rid of my season ticket based on this average team! The fans deserve better.
Andy: Lewis Dunk and Jan-Paul van Hecke immense again. Carlos Baleba back to his best and Yankuba Minteh running the Toffees' defence ragged again, just needs to find his shooting boots. Gross so influential in midfield. Karou Mitoma not back up to full speed quite yet. Ferdi Kadioglu great again. Yasin Ayari dawdling a bit and needs to sharpen up.
Everton fans
Stephen: Another good result away from home but Everton need more players to come in before the end of the January transfer window.
Brian: Could have and should have scored twice before Beto rescued us. Our owners have invested significantly in our club - great stadium, loyal fanbase - but they are not going to get the return on investment unless they buy a top-class striker. You can't fault Betto and Thierno Barry for effort but we need a real number nine.
Robbie: Why does it always have to be a game of two halves? We always seem to start off slowly and go in at half-time pleased we have not conceded. The second half always seems to be a different team. I guess the results in the past six games speak for themselves but it is not entertaining and is nerve-wracking.
Mark: Our quality is very limited. Jack Grealish is a big miss from our attack. Neither Barry nor Beto are the type of striker who will make Evertonians' blood stir. We're well organised and generally hard to beat. Even David Moyes is capable of an off day with that very strange team selection. But we are overperforming in terms of our league position and a top-half place would flatter us. A major restrengthening is needed in the summer if we are to start to challenge for a trophy. Onward and upward.
