The latest M23 derby sees Brighton & Hove Albion host Crystal Palace at the American Express Stadium on Sunday, with both teams looking to secure an important Premier League result.
Brighton head into Matchweek 7 in impressive form and sit third in the Premier League with 13 points from six matches. Fabian Hürzeler’s side have scored 18 goals while conceding only five, highlighting their strong attacking output and improving defensive record.
Crystal Palace have made a more inconsistent start to the campaign. The Eagles have collected seven points from their opening six league games and have struggled to maintain the same level of consistency as their south-coast rivals.
Brighton vs Crystal Palace Form and Match Preview
Brighton have been one of the Premier League’s standout teams at the start of the 2026/27 season. They have won their last three Premier League matches, keeping clean sheets in each game, and have recorded five consecutive victories across all competitions.
Their home form has also been impressive, with Brighton scoring regularly while maintaining a solid defensive structure. Pascal Groß remains an important creative and attacking influence, while Charalampos Kostoulas has provided another threat in the final third.
Crystal Palace arrive in Sussex with mixed results. Pierre Sage’s side produced an impressive 3-1 Premier League victory over Nottingham Forest, but they followed that result with a 3-2 defeat away to Lyon in the Europa League during the week.
Yeremy Pino has been one of Palace’s most dangerous attacking players recently, scoring in consecutive matches. However, defensive inconsistencies have continued to cause problems for the Eagles.
Brighton vs Crystal Palace Head-to-Head Record
Recent meetings between the two clubs have generally favoured Crystal Palace. The Eagles are unbeaten in their last four meetings with Brighton, recording three wins and one draw.
Brighton’s most recent victory over Palace came in February 2024, meaning the hosts will be looking to end their recent derby drought.
While Palace’s head-to-head advantage should not be ignored, Brighton’s current league position, home advantage and recent form make this a very different matchup from previous encounters.
Brighton Team News and Expected Lineup
Brighton are dealing with several injury and availability concerns, particularly in attack. Players including Kaoru Mitoma, Yankuba Minteh and Evan Ferguson are among those unavailable or facing fitness issues.
Pascal Struijk’s red card was overturned, meaning he is available for selection, although there remain some concerns over the fitness of members of Brighton’s defensive unit.
Brighton are expected to use a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Bart Verbruggen in goal and Pascal Groß expected to play an important role in midfield. Andrés could partner Groß, while Kostoulas is expected to lead the attacking line.
Crystal Palace Team News and Expected Lineup
Crystal Palace will also have selection concerns ahead of the M23 derby. Axel Disasi is suspended, while there are fitness doubts surrounding several players, including Dean Henderson and Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Palace could line up with either a back three or a back four, with players such as Lerma and Richards expected to feature in defence. Wharton and Timber could operate in midfield, while Yeremy Pino and Jørgen Strand Larsen provide the main attacking threat.
Both Brighton and Crystal Palace were involved in European action on Thursday, meaning fatigue could become an important factor. Brighton’s squad depth may give the hosts an advantage when it comes to managing the demanding schedule.
Brighton vs Crystal Palace Prediction
Brighton appear to have the stronger overall profile heading into this Premier League derby. Their third-place position, 18 goals scored, only five conceded and excellent recent home form make them the favourites.
Crystal Palace’s strong recent head-to-head record means Brighton should not expect an easy afternoon. The Eagles have enough attacking quality to cause problems, particularly through Pino, but their defensive inconsistencies could ultimately prove costly.
Brighton’s attacking strength and home advantage should allow them to create enough opportunities to secure three points.
Brighton vs Crystal Palace Predicted Score
Brighton 2-1 Crystal Palace
Brighton vs Crystal Palace Betting Tips
- Main prediction: Brighton to win
- Correct score prediction: Brighton 2-1 Crystal Palace
- Handicap option: Brighton -1
Brighton’s scoring record at the Amex makes the over 1.5 Brighton team goals market particularly interesting, while the -1 handicap offers another option for bettors looking for a higher-risk selection.
Overall, expect an entertaining and competitive M23 derby, but Brighton’s current form, attacking quality and home advantage should give them the edge at the American Express Stadium.
For additional team news, predicted lineups and match analysis, see the detailed preview on Sports Mole.
For official fixture and match information, check the Crystal Palace official match page and Premier League coverage.