Quick Read
- Brighton and Crystal Palace are set to play their Premier League match today, Sunday, February 8, 2026, at the Amex Stadium.
- Both teams enter the game in poor form, with Brighton winning one of their last 11 league games and Crystal Palace winless in their last nine.
- Crystal Palace’s new club-record signing, Jorgen Strand Larsen, is making his debut, while manager Oliver Glasner has confirmed his departure at season’s end.
- Brighton’s James Milner is one appearance away from equaling Gareth Barry’s Premier League record of 653 games, named on the bench for today’s match.
BRIGHTON (Azat TV) – Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace are set to reignite their M23 derby rivalry today, Sunday, February 8, 2026, at the Amex Stadium, with both clubs in dire need of a Premier League turnaround. The highly anticipated match, kicking off at 2 PM GMT, finds Brighton in 13th place and Crystal Palace two spots below in 15th, each battling to distance themselves from the relegation zone amidst lengthy winless streaks.
For Crystal Palace, the fixture follows a tumultuous transfer deadline day and the significant announcement that manager Oliver Glasner will depart the club at the end of the season. Brighton, meanwhile, could see veteran midfielder James Milner equal a long-standing Premier League appearance record.
M23 Derby Underway: Stakes High for Brighton and Palace
The M23 derby holds particular significance for both sides as they grapple with their worst form of the season. Brighton has secured just one victory in their last 11 league outings, while Crystal Palace arrives at the Amex Stadium winless in their last nine Premier League matches. This dismal run has seen both teams slide down the table, now looking over their shoulders at the drop zone, with Brighton just eight points clear and Palace a mere six.
The reverse fixture in November ended in a goalless draw, and Palace notably completed a double over their rivals last season. Historically, the head-to-head record is perfectly balanced across 32 meetings in all competitions, with both clubs claiming 10 victories and 12 matches ending in a draw.
Today’s starting lineups reflect the challenges and new additions for both squads. Brighton manager Fabien Hurzeler has made three changes from their last draw against Everton, bringing in Kostoulas, Boscagli, and Howell. Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has made two changes, with Adam Wharton returning from suspension and new signing Jorgen Strand Larsen making his debut up front, replacing fellow January acquisition Johnson.
Crystal Palace’s Tumultuous Transfer Window and Managerial Shift
Crystal Palace’s January transfer window was characterized by significant drama right up to deadline day. The club secured a club-record deal worth up to £48 million for striker Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolves, who starts today. However, their efforts to bolster the squad further faced setbacks.
Jean-Philippe Mateta’s proposed move to AC Milan collapsed due to ongoing knee issues, leaving him stranded at Selhurst Park and unavailable for today’s match. Manager Glasner expressed his understanding of the situation, stating he had ‘learned to accept situations’ after the deal failed, partly due to Mateta’s knee. Additionally, a £20 million deal for Everton’s Dwight McNeil fell through in the final minutes of deadline day, with Glasner confirming the terms changed unexpectedly. These events have undoubtedly added to the pressure at Selhurst Park, compounded by Glasner’s recent confirmation that he will leave the club at the end of the current season.
Milner’s Milestone and Injury Woes for Both Sides
Brighton’s veteran midfielder James Milner is on the cusp of making Premier League history. If he features this afternoon, he will reach 653 Premier League appearances, equaling Gareth Barry’s all-time record. Brighton boss Fabien Hurzeler praised Milner, calling him a ‘role model and a great character to work with,’ noting his ‘incredible’ level of play and training. Milner is named among the substitutes for today’s game.
Both teams are contending with significant injury lists. Brighton is without key players including Yasin Ayari (shoulder), Mats Wieffer (toe), Adam Webster (knee), Solly March (knee), and Stefanos Tzimas (unspecified). However, Diego Gomez returns and is available for selection. Crystal Palace’s injury woes include Cheick Doucoure (knee) and Eddie Nketiah (thigh) remaining sidelined, alongside Justin Devenny (ankle) and Rio Cardines (adductor). Daichi Kamada and Borna Sosa, however, are back in contention after recent absences, boosting Glasner’s options.
Recent Form and Head-to-Head Rivalry
The ‘M23 derby’ has historically been a fiercely contested affair, often defying league positions. Despite Brighton’s initial climb to fifth place by the end of November and Palace briefly breaking into the top four, both teams have since endured severe downturns. Brighton’s form has seen them denied victory in stoppage-time against Everton in their last outing, while Palace’s poor league run has been exacerbated by an FA Cup exit to non-league Macclesfield and the departure of captain Marc Guehi.
The arrival of Jorgen Strand Larsen, who bagged 14 goals last season for Wolves, offers a new attacking dimension for Palace, potentially providing optimism for the visiting supporters. Brighton will look to Pascal Gross and Kaoru Mitoma to spark their attack, as they aim to capitalize on home advantage and end their own slump.
The confluence of Crystal Palace’s recent managerial announcement and significant transfer market activity, combined with both teams’ urgent need for points, elevates today’s M23 derby beyond a routine fixture, signaling a pivotal moment for their respective seasons.