Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler is committed to cultivating a winning mentality at the club, and his efforts have shown promise since taking charge. Under his leadership, Brighton have secured six wins in their first 15 Premier League matches, placing them in a respectable seventh position, just three points behind the top four. As the team prepares for the crucial M23 derby against Crystal Palace at the Amex Stadium, Hurzeler is determined to guide his squad to end a three-match winless streak and continue their push for European competition.
Hurzeler has placed a strong emphasis on game management and the importance of maintaining consistency throughout matches. He believes that the key to achieving sustained success lies in integrating a winning culture within the team. "It's always nice to have more training sessions, to work with the team, to reflect on the last game, to improve, and to integrate some principles," Hurzeler explained. He added that discussions with players are ongoing, focusing on identifying areas for improvement and fine-tuning their performances ahead of upcoming fixtures.
Brighton’s recent form has shown positive signs of progress, and Hurzeler remains confident in his team's potential. Kaoru Mitoma has been one of the standout players this season, leading the league in progressive ball carries (1,899 metres) for non-defenders. The Japanese winger has made 79 carries over 10 metres and created 21 chances for his teammates, with Hurzeler hoping Mitoma will be a key figure in the derby against Crystal Palace.
On the other hand, Crystal Palace come into the match with a solid record, remaining unbeaten in their last four Premier League games. However, three of those matches have ended in draws, and they are still seeking to find more consistency this season. Their most recent outing saw them lose a lead against Manchester City, further highlighting their struggle to maintain a high level of performance. Despite these inconsistencies, Palace remain four points clear of the relegation zone, and they will be aiming to improve their standing in the table with a positive result against Brighton.
Manager Oliver Glasner faces a challenging situation with a number of injuries to key players. Adam Wharton, Matheus Franca, and Joel Ward will all miss the derby, with Wharton struggling with a reaction from recent training sessions, while Franca is still undergoing individual rehabilitation. Ward’s calf issues also make his availability uncertain. Glasner gave an update on Wharton, saying, "He had a slight reaction after Wednesday and Thursday’s training sessions... so he won’t be available." Despite these setbacks, Crystal Palace will look to their attacking players to lead the charge, with Daniel Munoz in particularly impressive form. Munoz has scored twice in his last three appearances after failing to find the net in his first 28 games. He has also been a standout in defensive contributions, being one of two players in the Premier League to surpass 100 tackles since his debut earlier this year.
Both teams head into this encounter with a lot to prove. Brighton will be hoping to continue their upward trajectory and break their winless run, while Crystal Palace will aim to extend their unbeaten streak and challenge for a higher finish in the Premier League. With key players like Mitoma for Brighton and Munoz for Palace in form, the M23 derby promises to be an exciting clash full of intensity and drama.
