Brighton seek to leap above adversaries as Palace visit The Amex

Crystal Palace travel down the A23 on Monday night to face Brighton and Hove Albion, in what promises to be yet another  heated instalment of their rivalry.

The sides are separated by a mere three points with Palace, the higher of the two at this point, residing in 14^th. However, victory for the home side would see them jump above their opponents due to their vastly superior goal difference.

Going on recent form, this appears a strong possibility. The Seagulls are unbeaten in six Premier League matches, and this run has coincided with wins over Spurs, along with a historic defeat of reigning champions Liverpool at Anfield.

Last Saturday, Brighton hosted one of this season’s surprise packages, Aston Villa, playing out a 0-0 draw.

The Seagulls will have been more downbeat with the outcome than their opponents, Graham Potter’s charges totalled a resounding 26 shots on goal, the most they have ever amounted in a Premier League fixture.

“We just have to concentrate on the next one, which is Crystal Palace, which is a big game for lots of reasons.

It’s an important game for our supporters, but an important one for us in terms of trying to get three points to keep that tally moving forward. That’s important for us” – Graham Potter: Sky Sports

Emiliano Martinez was in inspired form for the Villans, the former long-time Arsenal stopper denying Dan Burn with an elasticated fingertip save, whilst also thwarting Alexis Mac Allister and Danny Welbeck from close range.

Brighton’s inefficiency cost them maximum points, but, on the flip side, the point, against strong opposition, another valuable one in the quest to retain their Premier League status. In addition, the result meant a sixth consecutive top-flight game unbeaten, their best such run since 1981.

Palace of late have been rather unpredictable, most recently, consecutive losses, preceded by back-to-back wins over Wolves and Newcastle United.

In their last outing, Roy Hodgson’s men succumbed to a miserable 3-0 drubbing at the hands of Burnley.

The Clarets were two goals to the good in the opening ten minutes. First, Johann Berg Gudmundsson took advantage of some woeful defending from Palace pair Scott Dann and Patrick Van Aanholt, drove into a pocket of space before firing low and beyond the despairing Guaita.

It was soon two, Dwight McNeil’s pinpoint delivery located Jay Rodriguez, who made no mistake with a close range header. The situation appeared dire already for the Eagles, but Matt Lowton rubber stamped the result two minutes after the break, converting a sumptuous volley.

This all amounted to a sorry way of marking Hodgson’s 350^th Premier League game in charge, adding to the despair was Burnley’s goal tally, the three netted equal to the amount they had managed throughout their previous ten away contests.

“So the fact that it’s Brighton adds the extra spice because it’s a game which is very important to ourfans and everyone at the club is very much aware of that.

It’s a good opportunity to get out there and show that the last couple of performances are not what our fans can expect from us” – Roy Hodgson: Brighton & Hove Independent

Both teams have proved goal shy in recent weeks, Brighton notching a solitary strike in their last three outings across all competitions, Palace recording precisely the same miserly output.

One would be forgiven for thinking that the aforementioned points to a dull, goalless affair. However, there is hope, Brighton having kept just a single clean sheet against their adversaries during Premier League play, and that occurred in their first meeting in the competition back in 2017.

After Fulham’s win over Sheffield United on Saturday night, the clubs situated at each end of the A23 will be firmly in Scott Parker’s sights; making both ever more desperate for a full points return to avoid being dragged into a relegation scrap.

Team News

Brighton could be provided a timely boost in the forward department, with Iranian, Alireza Jahanbakhsh, set to return after missing nine fixtures due to a hamstring issue.

Adam Webster is currently hampered by an ankle problem, and is unlikely to play a part, whilst Tariq Lamptey, a revelation at fullback since he broke through at the tail end of last season, remains out, also nursing a hamstring ailment.

Florin Andone continues his comeback following a serious knee injury, whilst Solly March is forced to await his return having undergone knee surgery earlier in the month.

As for the visitors, their woes when devoid of kingpin Wilfried Zaha, have been all too well documented. The Londoners have suffered 18 defeats in the 20 contests the Ivorian has missed. Roy Hodgson remained coy during the week when questioned about his status, and therefore, if they are to prevail on Monday, it is likely they will have to do so the hard way.

James McCarthy, a key figure within the midfield engine room, has returned to training and could be in contention to feature.

Head-to-Head

These sides last encountered one another in October, a 1-1 stalemate at Selhurst Park.

The visitors dominated proceedings, leading the way in terms of possession and shots, however, it was Palace who took the lead. Wilfried Zaha slotted home from the penalty spot after a contentious decision, Tariq Lamptey adjudged to have felled Michy Batshuayi.

Albion responded positively, Neal Maupay proving a handful, Guaita repelled an effort from the Frenchman, whilst last ditch defending from a combination of Gary Cahill and Joel Ward prevented his advances on another occasion.

Ultimately, Brighton’s relentless pressure finally told, and they found a deserved equaliser in the 90th minute. Maupay, involved for the duration, sprayed a pass, astutely left by Aaron Connolly for Alexis Mac Allister, who smashed home an unstoppable low effort – his first Premier League goal taken in breath taking fashion.

Monday’s meeting will see hostilities renewed for the 104^th time. Brighton currently boast a narrow advantage over their foes, registering 40 wins against the Eagles. Palace have 37 victories to their name, 27 of the fixtures have resulted in draws.

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