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Palace host Brighton in Hodgson’s 100th game in charge

Photo: Reuters

In the final fixture of matchday 17, Crystal Palace and Brighton clash in the so-called ‘M23 derby’.

Palace will be keen to avoid defeat against their rivals especially considering the Seagulls completed the double over the South London side last season.

If Brighton were to emerge victorious from the tie it would mark the first time they have recorded three successive wins against Palace since September 1984. Roy Hodgson will be keen to continue his team’s solid defensive start to the campaign which has seen the Eagles record six clean sheets so far, only bettered by high-flying Leicester with seven.

Palace’s previous result saw them draw 0-0 with bottom club Watford whilst Brighton also drew, held 2-2 at home to Wolves.

A win for the home side could see them rise to eighth whilst consecutive away wins for Brighton, after their 2-1 success at the Emirates last time, could see them leapfrog their rivals into the top ten.

Team news

The home side remain without a collection of defenders as Patrick van Aanholt (hamstring), Jeffrey Schlupp (hip) and Joel Ward (knee) all remain on the sidelines. Mamadou Sakho continues to serve his suspension after his red card after Bournemouth.

Graham Potter’s men travel up the M23 without Solly March (groin) and Dale Stephens (suspension) Striker Aaron Connolly faces a late fitness test to determine whether he can feature.

Roy Hodgson was asked his thoughts on taking charge of his 100th game as Eagles boss:

“I’m very happy here and very happy with how things have gone and the support I’ve received from the club and the players.

“We’ve performed to the level we can be expected t operform to and sometimes a little bit higher. I’m very happy to be celebrating 100 games with the club, that is a good record these days.”

Graham Potter referenced the meaning of the game to the club’s fans ahead of the derby:

“I’ve been reminded of how important this match is to the supporters, pretty much every day,” Potter said.

“These games are always important for the supporters and we know how much it means to them. I’m sure it will be a lively atmosphere in front of the cameras and that’s something we have to be able to deal with.