Brighton & Hove Albion entertain Crystal Palace at the AMEX Stadium in the M23 derby.
Victory could see Brighton go seventh if Newcastle lose elsewhere, whilst Palace can go 12th if Fulham lose elsewhere.
Team News
Joao Pedro is a doubt for Brighton after he suffered a knee injury in their midweek loss at Luton.
Ansu Fati (muscle) could be named on the bench but he won’t be risked if club doctors advise against naming him in the matchday squad.
James Milner (thigh) is ruled out and joins Simon Adingra, Kaoru Mitoma (both international duty), Joel Veltman, Solly March and Julio Enciso (all knee) on the sidelines.
Palace could be without Eberechi Eze after he suffered a hamstring injury during their comeback win against Sheffield United.
Joel Ward (hamstring), Rob Holding (ankle) and Cheick Docoure (Achilles) remain absent.
When is Kick-Off?
Brighton host Palace at AMEX Stadium on Saturday 3 February at 3pm GMT, untelevised live in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Brighton are unbeaten in their last five meetings against Crystal Palace (W1, D4).
- Palace are unbeaten in four of their six previous Premier League visits to Brighton (W2, D2, L2).
- Four of Brighton’s last five meetings against Palace have ended in a 1-1 draw.
- Milner and Danny Welbeck have been substituted on more occasions than any other Brighton player in the top-flight this season.
- Joachim Andersen has made more interceptions than any other Palace player this season, having made 22 interceptions in 22 appearances.
Prediction
After a disastrous defensive display at Luton amidst some lacklustre attacking, Brighton need to just reset and look to get back on track because any dip now could prove costly come end of season if want to secure European qualification again.
Palace however have their own defensive issues after they were twice caught on the counter-attack against Sheffield United, yet the attacking quality of Eze and Michael Olise dug them out of trouble but they can’t afford to be sloppy here in defence against an angry Brighton team.
I therefore do expect this to be another close battle but Brighton should have the edge if can use their midweek embarrassment as motivation here, although the Seagulls’ defence needs to be wary of Olise who already looks back to his best.
Prediction: Brighton 2-1 Crystal Palace
Result: Brighton 4-1 Crystal Palace
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