Brighton - Crystal Palace

Brighton & Hove Albion enter this matchday 7 Premier League clash at The American Express Community Stadium on 18 October 2026 riding an impressive wave of form. Having dispatched FK Kauno Zalgiris 4-0 in their most recent outing and secured a clean-sheet victory over Sunderland, the hosts are showcasing significant attacking fluidity. The expected XI, anchored by Bart Verbruggen and Lewis Dunk, will look to overcome the absence of the suspended Pascal Struijk as they aim to dismantle a Crystal Palace side that has struggled for consistency across multiple competitions.

Crystal Palace arrive following a narrow defeat to Lyon in the Europa League, though they remain buoyed by a recent 3-1 Premier League win against Nottingham Forest. The visitors face a defensive challenge with Axel Disasi suspended and goalkeeper Dean Henderson sidelined through injury. Historically, this fixture has proven difficult for Brighton, who fell 1-0 to the Eagles in their last meeting on 8 February 2026.