Brighton & Hove Albion host Crystal Palace in Premier League clash

match details and context

Brighton & Hove Albion will welcome Crystal Palace to the American Express Stadium in Falmer on Sunday, 18 October 2026 for a Premier League fixture. Kick-off is scheduled for 13:00 UTC. This match sees the third-placed Brighton, currently occupying a Champions League qualifying position, take on Crystal Palace, who lie 13th in the table. The game offers vital points as Brighton look to maintain their strong start to the season and Crystal Palace aim to climb away from the lower mid-table.

standings and recent form

Brighton have made an impressive start to their campaign, sitting third after six matches with 13 points from four wins, one draw and a single defeat. They have scored 18 goals and conceded just five, giving them a healthy goal difference of +13. Their recent form is particularly notable, with five consecutive wins in all competitions, including a 4-0 home victory over Kauno Zalgiris on 15 October and a 2-0 away win at Sunderland on 10 October. Brighton have been prolific in front of goal, netting 17 times in these five games while conceding only twice.

Crystal Palace have had a more mixed start, positioned 13th with seven points from two wins, one draw and three losses. They have scored nine goals but conceded 12, resulting in a goal difference of minus three. Their recent form shows some inconsistency, with two wins, one draw and two defeats in their last five matches. Notably, they suffered a 3-2 defeat away to Lyon on 15 October, but bounced back with a 3-1 home win over Nottingham Forest on 11 October. They have scored nine goals in these games while conceding six.

head-to-head record

This will be only the second meeting between these two sides this season. Their first encounter took place on 8 February 2026 at Brighton’s home ground, where Crystal Palace secured a narrow 1-0 victory. Historically, Crystal Palace have the edge in this fixture, having won the only previous match. Brighton will be eager to reverse that result on home turf and continue their strong run of form.

expectations and viewing information

Based on current form and league positions, Brighton & Hove Albion look set to be the favourites, especially given their five straight wins and commanding goal difference. Crystal Palace, while capable of causing an upset, have shown vulnerability in defence and may find it challenging to contain Brighton’s attacking threat at the American Express Stadium. Fans in the United States can watch the match live on Peacock.

Where the teams stand

Recent form

Head-to-head