Brighton & Hove Albion meet Crystal Palace in the first M23 derby of the season.
Victory could lift Brighton as high as fifth in the table, whilst Palace can move up to 15th with a win
Team News
Joel Veltman is a doubt for Brighton after he missed their 2-2 draw at Leicester due to a knock.
Ferdi Kadioglu (toe), Jack Hinshelwood (knee) and James Milner (hamstring) face fitness tests.
Solly March (knee) won’t be risked unless considered fully fit for selection, but Adam Webster (hamstring) remains absent.
Palace could be without Joel Ward due to a calf injury.
Adam Wharton (groin), Matheus Franca (adductor) and Rob Holding (personal) remain sidelined.
When is Kick-Off?
Brighton host Palace at AMEX Stadium on Sunday 15 December at 2pm GMT, live on Sky Sports in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Brighton are unbeaten in their last six meetings against Palace (W2, D4).
- Palace have claimed seven points in their last six visits to Brighton (W2, D1, L3).
- Brighton have kept just one clean sheet in their last 14 meetings against Palace in all competitions.
- Lewis Dunk and Jan Paul van Hecke have both won more aerial battles than any other Brighton player this season (23).
- Palace have kept just one clean sheet away from home in the league this season.
Prediction
Having dominated large chunks of their eventual 2-2 draw at Leicester, Brighton really need to learn to stay mentally focused defensively because they threw away a clinically deserved win through some poor pieces of late defending.
Palace though were absolutely clinical with their chances against Manchester City to earn a deserved draw, particularly given that City were likely to score twice so to net twice themselves is a confidence booster and builds more momentum.
Both teams therefore will have points to prove for different reasons so I do expect a tough battle, and another draw wouldn’t be too surprising unless Brighton play like they did at Leicester but with more focus once 2-0 up.
Prediction: Brighton 1-1 Crystal Palace
Result: Brighton 1-3 Crystal Palace