Hurzeler hopeful conversations will help instil ‘winning culture’ at Brighton

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has said one of his key principles since taking over the Seagulls has been instilling a “winning culture” at the club as they aim to progress up the table.

Since taking over from Roberto De Zerbi, Hurzeler has won six of his 15 Premier League matches in charge (D6 L3), leading Brighton to seventh in the standings and three points off the top four.

Up next for Hurzeler is his first taste of the M23 derby against Crystal Palace at the Amex Stadium on Sunday, with the Seagulls hoping to return to winning ways on home soil.

Brighton are without a victory in their last three Premier League games, but Hurzeler explained continuous discussions have taken place with his players on how they can improve.

“It’s always nice to have more training sessions, to work with the team, to reflect on the last game, to improve, to integrate some principles. Hopefully, we use it the right way,” Hurzeler said.

“One big part is game management, it’s what culture you integrate at the club. We talked a lot about the winning culture, how we can lift this, how we can fulfil this winning culture.

“But on top of that, it’s not only about game management, it’s how you improve the game to play consistently 90 minutes, a good game, how you work on details.

“We have to analyse, we have to find the right solutions, we don’t just need training on the pitch, we need discussions with the players. Work pays off.”

Back at home on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/IGyWnqdVDI

— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) December 13, 2024

Palace, meanwhile, are unbeaten in their four Premier League games, though three of which have been draws, the latest of which saw them squander a lead against out-of-form champions Manchester City.

The Eagles have struggled for consistency this term after a strong showing under Oliver Glasner at the end of last season, but have built a four-point cushion to the bottom three.

However, injuries have been an issue for Palace, with Glasner confirming that Adam Wharton, Matheus Franca and Joel Ward would all miss this weekend’s clash at Selhurst Park.

“He [Wharton] had a little bit of a reaction after the Wednesday and Thursday training sessions. [They were] very intense sessions, and he had a bit of a reaction, so we had to reduce his workload, so he won’t be available,” Glasner said.

“It’s looking like nothing serious. Let’s see if he’s available for the Arsenal game in the week [Wednesday], or maybe at the weekend [Saturday 21st].

“Franca is still in rehab. He’s training individually and his progress gets better and better.

“It looks like he will join us in team training, if everything goes in the right direction, early in the New Year. For the December games, he’s not available.

“We have a bit of a question mark with Joel Ward – he has some issues with his calf – but let’s see how it goes, it looks like maybe he’s not available. All other players are fit.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Brighton – Kaoru Mitoma

Mitoma has progressed the ball furthest upfield of any non-defender in the Premier League this season (1,899 metres). He’s made 79 progressive carries of 10 metres or more, the second-most of any player in the league behind Kyle Walker-Peters of Southampton (80).

He has also created more chances (21) than any other player for the Seagulls in the top-flight this term, and Hurzeler will be hoping his star can make the difference on Sunday.

Crystal Palace – Daniel Munoz

Munoz has scored in two of his last three Premier League appearances (two goals), having not scored in any of his first 28 games in the competition.

The Colombian is also one of only two players to have made 100+ tackles in the Premier League since his debut on February 3 this year (108), along with Wolves’ Joao Gomes (119).

#CPFC pic.twitter.com/8qVuXHinUQ

— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) December 9, 2024

MATCH PREDICTION: BRIGHTON WIN

Brighton have won their last two Premier League home games against Palace, last winning more consecutive home league games against the Eagles between 1979 and 1988 (seven).

But after losing four of their final five home top-flight games last season, Brighton are one of three teams still unbeaten on home soil in the competition this campaign (W3 D4), along with Arsenal and Brentford.

And expect entertainment. Since the start of last term, only Brentford (38) have both scored and conceded in more Premier League matches than Brighton (37), with the Seagulls doing so in 10 of their last 11 games, including each of their last seven.

But Palace are unbeaten in their last three away Premier League games (W1 D2), last enjoying a longer unbeaten run between January and March 2022 (five). Palace are also looking for consecutive away wins for the first time since April 2023.

However, they are winless in their last six league games against Brighton (D4 L2), their longest run without a victory against the Seagulls since a run of 10 between 1979 and 1986.

Under Glasner, meanwhile, Palace have scored first and then gone on to concede 2+ goals in seven Premier League games, including four of the six games they’ve scored first in this season. Since his first game in charge on February 24, only Chelsea have done so as often (also seven).

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Brighton – 49.2%

Draw – 24.4%

Crystal Palace – 26.4%