Brighton & Hove Albion

Things are turning uglier by the week for West Ham. They are in a real relegation battle now, and their boss Nuno Espirito Santo is absolutely desperate for a win, but it is hard to see where it will come from.

Brighton are inconsistent but they have shown their quality by pushing Liverpool and Arsenal close in recent weeks.

I don't see anything other than a Seagulls victory here.

The Hammers are so low on confidence that, even if this is a tight game, you get the feeling they will lose it like they did against Fulham on Saturday.

Sutton's prediction: 1-2

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Henry Cowling
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

As the Christmas leftovers run out and planning for New Year's Eve parties reaches its peak, it is almost time to say goodbye to 2025.

With nostalgia rife at this time of year, let's take a look at some of the statistical feats for this year.

No prizes for guessing who tops the Premier League goalscoring charts in 2025. Manchester City's Erling Haaland has amassed 27 league goals in that time, 10 clear of second-placed Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Haaland averages a goal every 96 minutes – no other player with 13 goals or more is less than140 minutes.

However, Haaland is not the most lethal finisher of 2025 in the Premier League despite an impressive shot conversion rate of 27.8%.

Neither is Brentford forward Igor Thiago, who has converted 28.9% of his chances – the best of any player with 10 goals or more across the calendar year.

The players with a better conversion rate – Brennan Johnson, Junior Kroupi and Jack Hinshelwood – have all scored five or six goals. Tottenham's Johnson leads the way overall with a conversion rate of 33.3%.

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has been speaking to the media before Tuesday's Premier League game against West Ham at London Stadium (kick-off 19:30 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Kaoru Mitoma, who missed Saturday's game to Arsenal through illness, will return against West Ham and Hurzeler is also hopeful Danny Welbeck will be "an option to start".

• Solly March is training with the under-21s "to get used to the intensity" before being "re-integrated" into the first team.

• On what Brighton's issue might be after going winless in five games: "Consistency within the first and second half, lack of attention or not doing the small margins right. We have to find solutions to get out of this phase."

• Hurzeler conceded "it is not a great run so no-one is full of confidence" at the moment but said "it is about sticking together and taking responsibility" as a team.

• He also insisted he has "confidence" they can end this poor run at the Hammers on Tuesday, despite Nuno Espirito's side "having a lot of individual quality".

• More on opponents West Ham: "They still know how to win Premier League games even though they are not in a great situation. We know how hard it is to beat them so they will be a tough opponent."

• Hurzeler noted Brighton are "five points from fifth place" so sees "no reason to be negative or have any doubts" at this stage of the season: "We are there and it is a very tough competition as well as it being very equal at the moment. We have to look forward and stick to our principles because we always solve big challenges at this club."

Hear more from Fabian Hurzeler on BBC Sounds

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

Here are some of your comments:

Arsenal fans

Ravi: This game was indicative of Arsenal's season thus far. Our players up top aren't firing but by hook or by crook, we're getting results and that's all that matters. The worry is the defensive injuries. We've seen Declan Rice sit deep to protect them with Gabriel out which may have hindered our attack. With the injuries, Mikel Arteta should not risk any of his first-choice XI in the FA Cup. Use the squad as it's good enough. Let the first XI have a week away to recharge - Dubai maybe?

Shellee: Winning ugly… but winning! Another whole team effort. We keep fighting. Love you Martin!

Chris: It's really time to drop Viktor Gyokeres. He makes zero impact. Jesus did more in his first few minutes on the pitch than Gyokeres in the more than an hour before he was replaced. That David Raya save was one of the best I have ever seen. Simply out of this world.

Shaun: Yet another dominant first 45 minutes and only one goal to show for it. A lucky second which should have set a platform to go on and win comfortably, but yet again we dropped deep and allow Brighton back in the game. Subs were too late and why wasn't Odegaard subbed for Eberechi Eze or Ethan Nwaneri? An abject second 45 minutes and we were thankful to Raya for a worldie that got us the points. Play like that against Aston Villa and we will get beat.

Brighton fans

Harry: After the first half last week [against Sunderland], I didn't think it could get much worse. How wrong was I? Arsenal will kick themselves that they weren't further in front at the break but it was a good fightback to almost scrape a point. If it weren't for a top save from a world class goalkeeper.

Tim: An awful first half where we were fortunate not to concede. An improvement in the second half but with no cutting edge. I have to question Fabian Hurzeler's selection and subs again. Joel Veltman was excellent and should have started, to allow Mats Weiffer to play in midfield. Georginio Rutter and Brajan Gruda cannot play together as they're too similar. Gruda just frustrates me hugely every game. Time to give Charalampos Kostoulas a start.

RJ: I'm over Hurzeler. Frankly, he's not very good. If only Tony Bloom and Paul Barber had bent a little and given Roberto de Zerbi what he wanted, the club would probably be in a very different place.

Norman: If only the Seagulls could learn to start matches in the way they generally finish them. Have they got the balance wrong? Remember, the early bird catches the worm!

Pundits Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney join host Gabby Logan to bring you the action and talking points from Friday and Saturday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Arsenal 2-1 Brighton

• Liverpool 2-1 Wolves

• Chelsea 1-2 Aston Villa

Image source, Getty Images

Fabian Hurzeler's side arrived in London winless in four matches but with a decent record at Emirates Stadium, having been unbeaten in five of their previous eight visits.

The first-half performance lacked attacking belief, forcing Hurzeler to make a double change at half-time by bringing on Yankuba Minteh and Mats Wieffer.

Diego Gomez's goal lifted Brighton and, as the home supporters got nervy, Brighton introduced former Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck as they chased an equaliser that never came.

Brighton had an excellent start to the season and had been as high as fifth place but their current run of form has seen them slip to 12th in the table.

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler spoke to BBC Match of the Day after his side's defeat by Arsenal: "We proved in the second half [we could do better]. I think the games when we play are never done, we proved it this season so far that we can always compete.

"We were close to making it 2-2, we had chances and we were in the game but in the end we weren't able to score.

"The small margins make the difference and we have to understand how important they are.

"We proved in the second half [we can compete] but it is about doing it for 90 minutes. If you aren't doing it for 45 minutes then you have to be defensively good. We definitely have to improve there."

Did you know?

• Brighton remain winless in their last 11 Premier League games in December, drawing four and losing two in 2024-25 and drawing two and losing three so far this season.

Hear more from Hurzeler and from Yasin Ayari on BBC Sounds

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Arsenal's performance

What did you make of Brighton's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

No Jurrien Timber in the Arsenal squad. That means there is no recognised right back in the Gunners starting XI. Gabriel Magalhaes returns to the bench after injury.

Arsenal XI: Raya, Saliba, Hincapie, Calafiori, Merino, Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard, Saka, Trossard, Gyokeres

Subs: Arrizabalaga, Jesus, Eze, Magalhaes, Martinelli, Norgaard, Madueke, Nwaneri, Lewis-Skelly

Fabian Hurzeler makes three changes as his Brighton side look for their first win in five matches.

Brighton XI: Verbruggen, Dunk, van Hecke, Coppola, Hinshelwood, Gruda, Ayari, De Cuyper, Gomez, Kadioglu, Rutter

Subs: Steele, Minteh, Watson, Welbeck, Kostoulas, Milner, Boscagli, Wiefer, Veltman

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

• Nottingham Forest v Manchester City (12:30)

• Arsenal v Brighton - BBC Radio 5 Live

• Brentford v Bournemouth

• Burnley v Everton

• Liverpool v Wolves - BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• West Ham v Fulham

• Chelsea v Aston Villa (17:30) - BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-off times 15:00 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 Arsenal v Brighton" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Chelsea v Aston Villa", for instance.

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

People are saying that Arsenal are wobbling but I think they have had their wobble, really, when they scraped past Wolves.

The Gunners won 1-0 at Everton last time out, and it was a bit of a battle, but they were up against a David Moyes side so I didn't expect anything else.

My only criticism of Arsenal at the moment is that Viktor Gyokeres shouldn't be taking their penalties - Bukayo Saka should, because he is in my Fantasy team. It really annoyed me to see Gyokeres scoring from the spot against the Toffees.

It won't be easy for them against Brighton, but I still think they should win this one.

The Seagulls are such a strange team, and they are extremely difficult to predict.

They have not won any of their past four games but they pushed Liverpool all the way when I watched them at Anfield recently, and I think they will do the same here.

Sutton's prediction: 2-0

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Matthew Hobbs
BBC Sport journalist

Leaders Arsenal continue their title challenge against a Brighton side they have defeated just three times in the past eight Premier League meetings at home.

BBC Sport examines some of the key themes ahead of their meeting at Emirates Stadium (15:00 GMT).

Defence wins titles

Arsenal's title challenge has taken on a look of real confidence in recent weeks, winning matches despite perhaps not being at their best – the time-honoured trademark of champions-to-be.

The Gunners responded to the last-gasp defeat at Aston Villa on 6 December in the best possible manner by winning their next three matches in all competitions.

In the Premier League, Arsenal responded to conceding an injury-time equaliser against Wolves to force a winning goal of their own in the 94th minute.

And then, the victory at Everton last time out. A tight affair of minimal chances featured just three shots on target, but Arsenal again found a way to win following Toffees defender Jake O'Brien's needless handball.

Gunners striker Viktor Gyokeres dispatched the resulting penalty with aplomb – the 19th successive spot-kick in league football that he has successfully scored.

The win at Hill Dickinson Stadium again reinforced just how hard Arsenal are to beat this season. Everton failed to register a shot on target in the first half of a home game for only the second time since Opta began recording such data and the Toffees are far from the first side to find Mikel Arteta's men a puzzle simply too hard to solve.

The Gunners have faced by far the fewest total shots and shots on target, while they have conceded the fewest opposition touches in their own box in the Premier League this season. Being hard to beat is another hallmark of title-winning teams.

Hurzeler's unwanted record

The challenge waiting for Brighton is likely to be a formidable one, particularly for a visiting side who are winless in their past four matches.

The Seagulls fielded the youngest starting XI in the Premier League so far this season at 23 years and 240 days during last weekend's goalless draw with Sunderland although they welcome back experienced captain Lewis Dunk from suspension for the trip to north London.

Brighton boast an impressive Premier League record away to Arsenal, going undefeated in five of their eight visits, but head coach Fabian Hurzeler is not someone who necessarily enjoys the festive time of year – at least from a managerial perspective.

The Seagulls have never won a Premier League match in December under Hurzeler in 10 attempts (drawn six, lost four) – a competition record for any manager.

Karan Vinod
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Christmas often exposes a club's true identity. At Brighton, it has become a period less about indulgence or impulse, and more about discipline, trust and adherence to a long-term plan.

Players are given just one day off over the festive period, with training scheduled either side of Christmas Day. Head Coach Fabian Hurzeler has spoken about the importance of allowing players time with family, but there is no sense internally that standards loosen as the fixtures come thick and fast.

The Seagulls' approach is built on clarity of expectation rather than close supervision, with players trusted to manage themselves in line with demands set well before December.

That trust is underpinned by leadership within the squad. Senior figures play a key role in reinforcing professional standards during the busiest stretch of the season, ensuring conditioning and preparation remain consistent as the physical and mental load increases.

There has also been a boost on the training ground. Hurzeler revealed this week that Solly March has returned to training as he continues his recovery from the injury he sustained against Manchester City in October 2023. The winger spent 433 days on the sidelines before making his return in December last season, only to require a further period of rehabilitation from the end of the 2024-25 campaign.

The same restraint applies to the January transfer window. Brighton have rarely treated the winter window as a point of reinvention, and there is little appetite to do so now.

The club are unlikely to pursue significant business unless a player becomes available on terms that represent clear value and would improve the group immediately.

Being within touching distance of the top four has not prompted a shift in thinking. Internally, league position is viewed as a reflection of performance rather than a reason to accelerate plans. Recruitment decisions continue to be framed by long-term impact, not short-term opportunity.

Insiders note that central to that outlook is development. Improving players already at the club remains a priority and is seen as one of Hurzeler's defining strengths. Coaching staff are focused on accelerating progression within the squad, rather than blocking pathways through reactive additions. It is a philosophy that has underpinned their rise and remains integral to their identity.

Injuries inevitably factor into January discussions. The absence of Stefanos Tzimas in forward areas is obviously noted, but sources tell BBC Sport that any move to strengthen would still need to align with broader planning. The preference is to act from a position of control rather than necessity.

For Brighton, the festive period and the transfer window are not viewed as moments to gamble, but as tests of resolve. As others are tempted by urgency or expectation, Brighton remain committed to the structures and principles that have taken them this far, trusting that patience, rigorous coaching and smart recruitment remain the surest route to progress.

Image source, Getty Images

Brighton attacker Brajan Gruda says that the sky is the limit for his team when they play at their best.

Over the festive period, the Seagulls will visit league leaders Arsenal, who are unbeaten at home this season.

However, Gruda has faith in Brighton's potential.

"[Arsenal] are a very good team," Gruda told the Albion Unlimited podcast.

"It's going to be difficult, but I trust in my team and I trust in myself. I know what we can do as a team - we can win against anyone. If we give 100%, we can do anything."

Gruda arrived on the south cast in August 2024, but the beginning of his first season at the Amex was disrupted by injury.

This year, Gruda's participation in the European Under-21 Championship over the summer meant that he arrived at pre-season sharp and ready to make an impact on Brighton's Premier League campaign.

"We started the season well," Gruda said. "We won some important games. I think the last few games we missed some points, we could have more points, but it's gone now and we're looking forward for the next games."

Listen to the full episode here

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

In the latest episode of Albion Unlimited, Brajan Gruda reviews his season so far.

Plus the team look at why Brighton couldn't come up with a goal against Sunderland as well as previewing visits to Arsenal and West Ham.

Listen to the full episode here

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 Images

Well, nearly halfway through the season and the gaps in the team are beginning to form. I know we don't usually do any January transfer business, but it's evident that we need to make a few additions wherever possible.

With Stefanos Tzimas's unfortunate season-ending injury, we're left incredibly light up top, especially with Danny Welbeck starting to pick up a few knocks that are leaving him out of the starting XI.

The obvious choice is to bring Evan Ferguson back from his loan at Roma. We know there's a player in there and all we need to do is unlock that confidence again.

I'm still not overly keen on the Mats Wieffer right-back experiment. It was clear to see the difference in our defensive balance when Joel Veltman came on against Sunderland. I feel we need another option there to rotate with our reliable Dutchman.

If we are serious about achieving European football for the second time in our history, we cannot stand still. Tony Bloom will know this, though - ahead of the curve as always.

I'm really excited to see the direction Jason Ayto takes us in, he's clearly been a target of ours for some time in taking our recruitment to the next level. It was reported that his first task was to work on a Jan Paul van Hecke contract extension, Albion fans are rightly anxious about losing him for a cut-price fee.

As always, I've got full faith in the club that we are ready to attack the market in the best way we know how and add efficiently and sustainably as we build towards consistent success.

Find more from Joe Sayers at Albion Obsessed, external

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

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

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Hurzeler confirmed that Lewis Dunk and Diego Gomez return after serving their respective suspensions, while Danny Welbeck and Jan Paul van Hecke will both train before the weekend and are expected to be available. He also added that they have to go "day to day and follow the procedure" with Mats Wieffer, but he looks "positive" and could also be fit to feature.

• On captain Lewis Dunk being back and reports he has triggered a contract extension: "He's my captain, he's my skipper. I think we know his value. He proved it this season so far. Although he had a tough start, he really fought himself back into the season. He had some great performances and he's the leader on the pitch, beside the pitch. That's why we're happy that he's back."

• With the January transfer window about to open, the Brighton boss confirmed that questions over Harry Howell's future are "just rumours, just noise" after speaking to him and his agent.

• He added: "Big potential that Harry Howell can be a big, big player for us, but first of all, it's about work. It's about hard work. It's about delivering it every day, every training session. I have to go inside and I have to to think about sending him to a doping test because he was so good in training. That's what I demand from the young players."

• Hurzeler would not be drawn into specifics of areas and players they are looking at next month, but said there is "a regular exchange" with those in charge and "the transfer market will be open and let's see if we will be active".

• On going four games without a win and if any changes have been made to training: "Why should we change is the question? Because we know the issue. The issue is we have to overcome the consistency thing. We have to play for 90 minutes well. We have to understand that it's about scoring goals, it's about defending the goals, doing the small margins right and not only for 10 or 15 minutes. It's about doing it for 90, 92 minutes, 93 minutes."

• Without a fixture in the traditional 26 December slot, Hurzeler is hopeful he can give players more time off to see their families: "It's so important for their mental health, it's so important for them to see their family and to enjoy the time. That's why I try to give them the most time off as possible and I think that's all my responsibility. And then I hope that they come back stronger."

Listen to live commentary of the match on 5 Live and BBC Sounds

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

Bayer Leverkusen are exploring a deal to sign Brighton's 17-year-old English winger Harry Howell, with other German clubs also interested. (Florian Plettenberg), external

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

Brighton defender Olivier Boscagli says he is "working really hard" to show head coach Fabian Hurzeler his qualities and was pleased with the way the Seagulls "fought together until the last minute" against Sunderland.

The 28-year-old made his second Premier League start for the club as Lewis Dunk and Jan Paul van Hecke were unavailable due to respective injury and illness.

"It was good for my legs and my mind," Boscagli told BBC Radio Sussex. "It was difficult when I wasn't playing but I am still working really hard to show myself.

"I try my best to show the coach that he can pick me in any moment because I will be ready for any game."

On the goalless draw against Sunderland: "It was important to keep a clean sheet. We fought together until the last minute and the organisation was good.

"There are some regrets because we could have won this game. We spent a lot of time in their half so there are things to learn still.

"We need to score and be more hungry in front of goal. We train a lot offensively and defensively so we know we need to be better at both."

Listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds

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

Here are some of your comments:

Brighton fans

David Boring football with no improvement. Keep seeing the same mistakes from Brighton. Too slow in possession with too many side to side and back passes. Too many touches on the ball and not consistent for 90 minutes.

Tim: An awful first half where we were fortunate not to concede. An improvement in the second half but with no cutting edge. I have to question Hurzeler's selection and subs again. Veltman was excellent and should have started, to allow Wieffer to play in midfield. Rutter and Gruda cannot play together, they're too similar. Gruda just frustrates me hugely every game. Time to give Kostoulas a start.

Hugh: Another laboured performance from Brighton. The pace of play is very slow and deliberate - even in fast breaks they slow it down. Also why are we so reluctant to put the ball into the box and ask questions of their defence?

Sunderland fans

Edward: Everyone was predicting that Sunderland might struggle due to so many players being away yet, we showed that we have the capabilities with a strong performance in the first half. Yes we came under pressure second half, but more than deserved our point.

Barry: Played well in the first half but never put any of our shots on target away. We were poor in the second half, we stopped the high press and sat back with 20 minutes to go looking for the draw, which in the past was our go-to tactic, but a game like this was there for the taking - so a bit disappointed.

Martin: Five players down to Afcon and we got a draw away. So pleased with the team performance in this game and bringing in some of the fringe players with something to prove is a nice situation to be in.

Andy Stevenson
Final Score Reporter at The Amex Stadium

Image source, Getty Images

When a game is low on entertainment value, it's all too easy not to give credit to those who kept it tight and tense. Defence is just as important as attack and Brighton and Sunderland would both have taken satisfaction in keeping clean sheets in tricky circumstances.

Brighton captain Lewis Dunk was suspended and Jan Paul van Hecke was ruled out with illness, so Diego Coppola and Olivier Boscagli paired up at the back, with just one previous Premier League start between them this season.

While Reinildo was the only defensive absentee for Sunderland from the derby win over Newcastle, Regis le Bris had to make four changes overall because of Afcon.

Behind both defences though stood two Dutch goalkeepers in fine form. And both men came out on top of the player ratings made by supporters on this very website.

Bart Verbruggen made a superb save after the interval to stop Omar Alderete from breaking the deadlock with a bullet header, while Robin Roefs kept his sixth clean sheet in 17 Premier League appearances.

Verbruggen, 23, has 26 caps for the Netherlands and played every match at Euro 2024. Roefs, who is 22, got his first senior call-up from Ronald Koeman in August and looks certain to be pushing Verbruggen for a starting spot at the World Cup. Their form in the Premier League between now and then could decide who will be number one for the the Oranje next summer.

Pundits Joe Hart and Shay Given join host Kelly Cates 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 3-0 West Ham

• Brighton 0-0 Sunderland

• Tottenham 1-2 Liverpool