M23 Derby Preview: Brighton Ready for Rivalry Clash with Palace

The clubs are around 40 miles apart, but this rivalry stretches back to the 1970s, and the latest instalment will take place this Sunday as the Seagulls host the Eagles at the Amex Stadium as part of Sunday’s 2pm kick-off.

Both teams are currently clear of the relegation zone by an established margin and are only separated by two points in the Premier League table. It’s a battle to keep their respective European qualification hopes alive, with both teams showing major inconsistency this season after significant improvements in recent years, they hope to avoid slipping down the table further as a relegation threat is the last thing either team will want to worry about.

Brighton are currently sat in 13th position, with seven wins, seven defeats and ten draws on their résumé this season — the most draws in the league. The latest was a demoralising one, as the Seagulls conceded a last-minute equaliser to lose their grip on three points in a manner that will wound them as they look to get back to winning ways.

Crystal Palace, on the other hand, are also having a very inconsistent season, but in a much more conspicuous way, with a high level of visibility covering their issues in recent months and throughout this campaign. The loss of Eberechi Eze to Arsenal in the summer was followed by the departure of their captain, Marc Guehi, only a week ago, as his move to Manchester City was completed in the January transfer window. Not to mention Jean-Philippe Mateta’s transfer saga and failed medical, which saw a proposed move to Italian club AC Milan fall through, as well as the ongoing speculation surrounding the future of Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner.

Turbulent times at Selhurst Park have reflected in their recent performances. The FA Cup holders have slid down the table lately and currently sit in 15th place. Although nine points clear of the drop, it is worrying times for this Crystal Palace side, whose last win in any competition was 12 fixtures ago. It is understandable to see the deflation around the club at the minute; however, there would be no better way to change the tune and turn their fortune than against their biggest rivals on Sunday.

With the first game between these two teams finishing 0-0, both sides will be looking to take all three points and the bragging rights for this season’s battle.

Special mention to James Milner, who, if he makes an appearance, will equal the record for most Premier League appearances of all time — a huge achievement and a testament to his professionalism and commitment. In the opposing midfield, Adam Wharton has served his suspension following his red card and will look to return to the starting line-up.

Crystal Palace new signings Brennan Johnson and Yeremy Pino will look to start as they both attempt to find a good run of form to uplift the mood around the club. Brighton boss Fabian Hürzeler should look to start highly rated Kaoru Mitoma, as well as in-form striker Danny Welbeck, who at the age of 35 could be argued to be in the best form of his career so far.

The striker is two goals away from equalling his career best of ten, which he achieved last season, and with 14 games to go it is very possible he can surpass that.

Both teams are not where they would have expected to be at this stage of the season and will be determined to climb out of their current slump to get back on track for European hopes. After establishing Premier League security in recent years, both will also want to steer clear of any thoughts of the relegation zone.

Expect this one to be tight and closely fought, with a lot on the line as Sunday’s Premier League football schedule shapes up to be an exciting afternoon.