Brighton welcome Crystal Palace to the Amex on Sunday for another instalment of football’s most geographically ambitious rivalry.
The M23 derby might not have quite the same appeal as other Premier League rivalries, but Brighton supporters will have plenty to shout about if their side continue their impressive start.
Fabian Hürzeler’s team sit third after winning four of their opening six league matches. They’ve also scored 18 goals, more than any other Premier League side.
Palace have endured a more difficult start under Pierre Sage. The Eagles have seven points from six matches and arrive after a 3-2 Europa League defeat to Lyon.
Brighton, meanwhile, enjoyed a comfortable 4-0 European victory over Kauno Žalgiris on Thursday.
The Seagulls have momentum, home advantage and a much stronger attacking record heading into Sunday’s meeting.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Bournemouth vs Sunderland betting tips, team news and predictions
What are the best betting tips for Brighton vs Crystal Palace?
Brighton to win and over 2.5 goals
Brighton have scored 18 goals in six league games, including five against Coventry and three against Arsenal.
Palace have already conceded four against Manchester City and three against Ipswich this season.
The Eagles also shipped three goals against Lyon on Thursday.
With Brighton creating chances regularly, combining a home victory with over 2.5 goals looks more appealing than backing the hosts at short odds.
Charalampos Kostoulas to score anytime
Charalampos Kostoulas has scored twice in the Premier League this season and is expected to lead Brighton’s attack.
The young forward should benefit from the creativity of Pascal Groß, Yasin Ayari and Maxim De Cuyper.
Palace will also be without suspended defender Axel Disasi, forcing another change to their back three.
Kostoulas could be worth considering in the anytime goalscorer market.
Brighton to score over 2.5 goals
Brighton have already scored three or more goals in four of their six Premier League matches.
Their attacking movement has caused problems for several opponents, including Arsenal and Chelsea.
Palace have conceded three goals in each of their last two competitive matches.
Backing Brighton to score at least three offers a more ambitious alternative to the standard home-win market.
BET £10 TODAY AND GET £30 IN FREE BETS TO USE ON THE PREMIER LEAGUE WITH MIDNITE
Where can I watch Brighton vs Crystal Palace?
Brighton host Crystal Palace at the Amex Stadium on Sunday, 18 October 2026, at 2 pm BST.
United Kingdom: Sky Sports, with streaming available through NOW.
United States: NBC Sports coverage, including NBCSN and Peacock. Kick-off is at 9 am ET.
Canada: Fubo Canada, with kick-off at 9 am ET.
What is Brighton’s predicted team?
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Verbruggen; Kadıoğlu, Vušković, Struijk, Boscagli; Groß, Chema Andrés; Diego Gómez, Ayari, De Cuyper; Kostoulas.
Injured: Evan Ferguson, Stefanos Tzimas, Kaoru Mitoma, Yankuba Minteh and Mats Wieffer.
Doubts: Femi Azeez, Jack Hinshelwood and Zadok Yohanna.
Suspended: None confirmed.
Fabian Hürzeler has several attacking absences to manage ahead of Sunday’s match.
Kaoru Mitoma and Yankuba Minteh remain unavailable, limiting Brighton’s options out wide.
However, Maxim De Cuyper and Diego Gómez have impressed in advanced positions.
Pascal Struijk is available after his red card against Sunderland was overturned on appeal.
Pascal Groß should provide the creativity in midfield, with Kostoulas expected to lead the attack.
What is Crystal Palace’s predicted team?
Formation: 3-4-2-1
Benítez; Canvot, Richards, Lerma; Khalaili, Wharton, Timber, Mitchell; Kamada, Pino; Strand Larsen.
Injured: Chadi Riad.
Doubts: Dean Henderson, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Takehiro Tomiyasu.
Suspended: Axel Disasi.
Pierre Sage must reorganise his defence with Axel Disasi suspended.
Jefferson Lerma could drop into the back three alongside Chris Richards and Jaydee Canvot.
Adam Wharton and Quinten Timber are expected to provide the midfield balance.
Further forward, Yeremy Pino and Daichi Kamada should support Jørgen Strand Larsen.
Palace will need to improve defensively after conceding three goals against Lyon in midweek.
Brighton vs Crystal Palace prediction
Brighton have made an excellent start to the season and look particularly dangerous going forward.
Their 18 league goals underline the attacking threat they carry.
Palace have struggled for consistency, although they possess enough quality to cause problems on the counterattack.
The visitors will also be hoping to bounce back from Thursday’s European defeat.
However, Brighton have home advantage and are playing with far greater confidence.
With Palace missing Disasi, the hosts should find opportunities to exploit their reshuffled defence.
I expect Brighton to control much of the contest and extend their winning run.
Score prediction: Brighton 3-1 Crystal Palace
Some links in this article are affiliate links. EPL Bets receives commission from qualifying activity made through these links. This does not affect the odds or offers available to you. Odds available at the time of writing. 18+ New customers only. Place a £10+ bet at min odds 1/1 (2.0) within 14 days of sign-up. Get £30 in Free Bets, valid for 7 days on selected bets only. Free stake not returned with winnings. T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org
