Listen to every Brighton game live on BBC Radio Sussex, with all the build-up and full commentary with Johnny Cantor and Warren Aspinall, and there is a full preview of all Seagulls' matches on Fridays at 18:00 in The Weekend Warm-up
🎧 Van Hecke on Sunderland win and Liverpool previewpublished at 07:42 GMT 18 March
07:42 GMT 18 March
Jan Paul van Hecke assesses the win at Sunderland, former Brighton defender Adam Hinshelwood discusses a new deal for his son Jack, and BBC Merseyside's Ian Kennedy previews Saturday's visit of reigning Premier League champions Liverpool.
Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.
Listen to every Brighton game live on BBC Radio Sussex, with all the build-up and full commentary with Johnny Cantor and Warren Aspinall, and there is a full preview of all Seagulls' matches on Fridays at 18:00 in The Weekend Warm-up
'The door to Europe is open once again'published at 09:03 GMT 17 March
09:03 GMT 17 March
Joe Sayers Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Three points. That's all that now separates us from the European places again, a gap that looked a lot wider just a few weeks ago. After a difficult run that threatened to leave us stagnant in mid-table, the mood around supporters seems to have shifted dramatically.
Three wins from the last four league games means belief is starting to creep back in, and with it, the sense that another late-season push could be on.
For much of this campaign, consistency across the league has proved difficult. Injuries, heavy fixtures, and the challenge of maintaining the high standards set in recent seasons have all played their part. But football seasons often turn on momentum, and right now we seem to have rediscovered ours at hopefully the right time.
Chances are being created again and, perhaps most importantly, the players look like they believe in what they are doing. When this starts to happen, the gap between mid-table mediocrity and the European conversation can close very quickly in this league.
The race for European football is very rarely straightforward, and several sides around us will feel they have a claim on those coveted spots. Yet we have shown just last season that we can thrive when chasing a target rather than protecting one. Being just three points away provides a clear incentive and a tangible goal heading into the closing weeks of the season.
Many, if not all of us, will know nothing is guaranteed. But after a run of results that has reignited optimism, the door to Europe is open once again. And if the Albion can keep this momentum going just a little longer, the final chapter of this season could yet become a very exciting one.
Sunderland 0-1 Brighton - the fans' verdictpublished at 10:48 GMT 16 March
10:48 GMT 16 March
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We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Sunderland and Brighton.
Here are some of your comments:
Sunderland fans
Steven: Only Forest and Wolves have scored fewer goals than us in the Premier League this season. It's as simple as, if we struggle to score goals we struggle to win games.
Milo: Maybe the most frustrating defeat of the season. We ran out of ideas when Brighton went ahead despite being the better side for much of the game. Need to push through this rough patch, especially with so many injuries.
David: Defeat was a bit harsh but, equally, we didn't do enough to win what was a decent game overall. It is clear that injuries and a small squad, with players playing out of position, is taking its toll in an unforgiving league. Shame for the much improved Rigg that he didn't get his goal, but good to see Brobbey back. Xhaka and Diarra looked a bit sluggish and several others faded badly in the last 30. We as fans need to try to stay as calm as our manager is, particularly in the build up to next weekends fixture.
Mick: Need to start attacking defences down the middle and not constantly trying to whip the ball in from the right, same strategy every week. Lucky we already have 40pts, or we would be in a relegation battle.
Brighton fans
Brian: A good first half performance and well controlled in the second half. The number of goal scoring chances we are missing is still a concern, but a very welcome three points.
Mick: Another mature away performance. We are learning how to manage games. Slick passing and more energy than the opposition led to a thoroughly deserved, narrow win. The back four were excellent against a tough but disorganised attack. A few more games like this and we can start to dream again...
Fran: Played well but if we could take our chances we would so much higher in the league. Great to get to the 40 points . I just think if we want to challenge for Europe we need to sign a proven experienced goal scorer who knows where the goal is.
Tim: Another much better performance. There were some glaring errors, especially Dunk's pass out from the back that was intercepted. But all in all we were a lot better. Hope to see us kick on from here and have a strong finish to the season.
Seagulls 'attitude and personality' stood outpublished at 08:59 GMT 16 March
08:59 GMT 16 March
John Bennett Final Score reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Brighton continued their impressive upturn in form with a third win in four games at Sunderland, so I made sure that the first person I looked at to assess their reaction was head coach Fabian Hurzeler.
This is a manager who'd been under scrutiny over the last few months. There was talk in the media that Brighton were "drifting" under his leadership and some supporters seemed to be losing patience during a run of two wins in 15 games from early December to mid-February.
Now though, following victories against Brentford, Nottingham Forest and Sunderland over three weeks, the momentum of the end of season run-in has completely changed.
So it was a surprise, as I glanced down at the technical area, to see Hurzeler so calm and composed straight after the final whistle. He thanked the supporters but left the more extravagant celebrations to his players.
Later, in the post-match interview, he praised his team's ability "to overcome difficult phases" and, for me, it was definitely their attitude and personality that stood out on Saturday.
It was far from a vintage performance in the north-east but what impressed me the most about Brighton was how solid they looked in the last 15 to 20 minutes.
Sunderland were trying to build pressure and get the crowd behind them for a final push to try to turn things around but they weren't able to really test the keeper in the closing stages. Hurzeler's side looking organised and fiercely determined to hang on to the three points.
That's a good sign for the Brighton fans and the team will go into their final match before the international break, against Liverpool next weekend, with huge confidence.
This is no longer a team that's "drifting," this is a team that's now in with an outside chance of challenging for that all important seventh place in the table.
Brighton analysis: Minteh makes his markpublished at 17:55 GMT 14 March
17:55 GMT 14 March
Sam Drury BBC Sport journalist
Media caption,
Having spent the vast majority of his Brighton career playing on the right wing, Yankuba Minteh was tasked with filling in on the left in Kaoru Mitoma's absence.
While his goal came from that more familiar side - albeit in unusual circumstances - the 21-year-old had already made quite an impression in the game.
After a drab opening, it was his pinpoint cross that should have been converted by Josh Hinshelwood.
A left-footer playing on the left is something of a throwback, but Minteh showed it still has its benefits as he was able to beat his man on the outside and put a number of dangerous balls into the box.
Having wriggled his way past Granit Xhaka to somewhat fortuitously score his second league goal of the season - and first since September - the former Newcastle player also created their best chance to double the lead.
Another cross from the left found Mats Wieffer, who laid it off to Diego Gomez but the winger blazed over the bar.
Minteh's afternoon came to an abrupt end, though, when he was substituted 14 minutes from time after getting himself booked and risking a second with a foul moments later.
His work was done, though, and Brighton will hope the talented winger can kick on as they try to maintain their fine recent form.
Sunderland 0-1 Brighton: What Hurzeler saidpublished at 17:35 GMT 14 March
17:35 GMT 14 March
Media caption,
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler speaking to BBC Match of the Day after their win over Sunderland: "We played really good in the first half, we controlled the game. The goal happened out of nowhere for us. It was a bit lucky but I think we deserved the luck.
"Afterwards we defended it well and didn't give away too many chances, so overall it was a deserved win. We found a way to overcome difficult phases and that was the main thing today."
On Yankuba Minteh's goal: "It was a strange goal, not one of his nicest in the season but a goal is a goal. He got his rewards. Sometimes football doesn't have to be nice, it has to be effective."
On Yankuba Minteh's substitution: "We have the responsibility to protect the players. Sometimes the players react emotionally so I need to take care of him."
Brighton and Hove Albion have won successive Premier League away games for the first time since their final two of 2024-25. They'd only won two of their first 13 in 2025-26 prior to this run (D4 L7).
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Sunderland v Brighton" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Arsenal v Everton", for instance.
Sunderland v Brighton: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 19:57 GMT 13 March
19:57 GMT 13 March
Sophie Brown BBC Sport journalist
Brighton make the long trip to Sunderland, where they have lost on their five visits. Meanwhile, the Black Cats will be happy to return their focus to the league after last week's shock FA Cup defeat by Port Vale.
Domestic knockout competitions have been a sorry story this season for Sunderland, who have been dumped out of both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup by League One sides. However, fans can still take comfort from their top-flight status – and hope that it could even result in qualifying for a European competition next season.
The Black Cats' win over Leeds in their most recent Premier League game took them to the 'magical' 40-point mark. While mathematically not yet safe, relegation is very unlikely - only three teams have ever gone down at the end of a 38-game Premier League season with 40 or more points.
Sunderland were actually one of those sides in 1996-97, when they were relegated with 40 points. But the last occasion it happened was back in 2002-03 when West Ham went down with 42 points.
It is an impressive achievement by Sunderland, given all three promoted sides have been relegated in both of the past two seasons. Furthermore, the Black Cats finished 24 points behind the Championship's top two last season and required stoppage-time winners in both their play-off semi-final and final to reach the top flight.
The club weren't afraid of overhauling their squad - they recruited 15 players over the summer, spending more than £160m, a record for a Premier League promoted club - and the gamble appears to have paid off.
Since 2009-10, only two promoted teams have earned more points at this stage of the Premier League season. But the job isn't quite done, and head coach Regis le Bris admitted that his side "didn't show enough" in their abject performance against League One bottom side Port Vale last weekend.
And after only losing five of their opening 24 matches of the season, the Black Cats have since lost five of their past nine.
Brighton remain three points short of the '40' mark – it's comfortably their lowest points tally and position at this stage for the season in four years, although given the tightness in the middle of the table, even at 14th they are still nearer the European spots than the relegation zone.
Their current relatively low standing is mainly the result of a mid-season lull, during which they won just one of 13 league games. Things have improved in recent weeks, which have included two wins and three narrow 1-0 defeats, including a somewhat unlucky loss to Arsenal 10 days ago.
In that game, Brighton didn't take their chances, and lack of goals has become a familiar story – after scoring 28 in their first nine league games, the Seagulls have scored just eight in their past nine.
But at least they haven't been conceding either – only leaders Arsenal have conceded fewer than Brighton's nine in the past 10 league games.
All of which doesn't necessarily make happy reading for neutrals, with Brighton's past 15 Premier League matches having included 30 goals, fewer than any other side in this period.
Sutton's predictions: Sunderland v Brightonpublished at 19:55 GMT 13 March
19:55 GMT 13 March
I was really disappointed by Sunderland's defeat at Port Vale in the FA Cup, and not just because that was another prediction I got wrong.
It felt like an absolute gimme for Regis le Bris' side, and I wanted to see them have a decent cup run.
They have still had a great season and they have already hit 40 points so they will be absolutely fine in terms of staying up.
But they will still want to finish the season strongly, and that means they need to get their home form going again - after staying unbeaten there for so long, they have lost the past two at the Stadium of Light.
Brighton hit a sticky patch too around the turn of the year but they had picked up again with wins over Brentford and Nottingham Forest, before narrowly losing out to Arsenal last time out.
The Seagulls can reel Sunderland in and move above them in the table with a win but I don't think they will get one. Instead, I am going for a draw.
'Learned a lot' - Rutter on how Hurzeler has helped his careerpublished at 15:31 GMT 13 March
15:31 GMT 13 March
Image source, Getty Images
Brighton forward Georginio Rutter says boss Fabian Hurzeler has improved him as a player since he joined from Leeds in August 2024.
The 23-year-old was known to Hurzeler when they were both in Germany and Rutter believes working under his tutelage has given his career a boost.
"When I started to play for him, I was like: 'Wow, it's about details,'" Rutter said. "I'm a player who sometimes is a bit stubborn, but when you listen, you realise this is working better than before.
"That's why I like him because he has taught me a lot."
Hurzeler also arrived at Brighton in the summer of 2024 and at just 33, is the youngest manager in the Premier League.
Asked whether the manager's age had any impact, Rutter simply said it did not come into his mind any more.
"When I came here, I thought some players are older than him and that is a bit strange," said Rutter. "But after that, we didn't think about it. I never think: 'Oh he's so young.'
"He's my gaffer - he's my trainer."
As for trainers, Rutter was also given chance to talk at length about his favourite hobby, collecting Pokemon cards.
"Sometimes I think it's good to have something outside football," he explained. "I like to do something I love."
If he can start collecting goals for Albion between now and the end of the season, it could still be a fruitful finish for him and Hurzeler.
Rushworth admits he may need to leave Brightonpublished at 12:54 GMT 13 March
12:54 GMT 13 March
Nick Mashiter Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Goalkeeper Carl Rushworth admits he may need to leave Brighton to fulfil his ambitions.
The 24-year-old, on loan at Championship leaders Coventry, has been at the Seagulls for seven years.
He is yet to make a senior appearance for the club and his loan at the Sky Blues is the sixth of his career.
Rushworth has England ambitions and, as he eyes helping Coventry back to the top flight for the first time in 25 years, is considering his long-term future.
"I understand football is never easy and simple. Sometimes you've got to be selfish, see all the opportunities on the table," the former England Under-21 goalkeeper told BBC Sport.
"If that's here [Coventry], perfect, if it's at Brighton so be it. But if it's away from Brighton I'm happy to weigh up the option.
"I've been speaking to my agent and GG [Gordon Greer, Brighton's pathway's manager]. I'm trying to focus on the here and now but it's definitely a conversation to have.
"I want to be a Premier League goalkeeper, I want to have an established career and I want to get there as quick as I can.
"I do think I'm ready and I just need the opportunity and I want to take it."
Rushworth joined as a 17-year-old having been released by Huddersfield and has had loan spells at Worthing, Walsall, Lincoln, Swansea and Hull.
He has played 37 times for Coventry, keeping 13 clean sheets and is leading the race for the Championship's Golden Glove award.
The Sky Blues are eight points clear at the top with nine games left ahead of Saturday's visit of Southampton.
"This has been the best loan I've had, the most enjoyable, there have been so many positives to it," added Rushworth. "It'll be good to see how the season finishes and to keep striving about where we want to get to."
Hurzeler on Mitoma, Ferguson and Arteta criticismpublished at 10:50 GMT 13 March
10:50 GMT 13 March
Media caption,
Hurzeler: 'I'm always passionate'
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light (kick-off 15:00).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
The Brighton boss admits there are "some concerns" over the fitness of Kaoru Mitoma: "Honestly, it's no injury. We made a scan. Everything is fine and therefore it's just a painful thing he suffered and he has just to overcome this pain, but it has nothing to do with his old injury. We have to wait until training finished today and then we can make a decision."
When asked if Mitoma will be ready for the international window and to meet up with Japan, Hurzeler said: "Yes, I think so."
He confirmed Mitoma is the "only player" with concerns for Saturday and that Solly March and Lewis Dunk will both be available to play after they missed out against Arsenal.
Hurzeler says Evan Ferguson, who is on loan at Roma, still has a future at the club following season-ending surgery on his ankle: "I spoke to him before surgery. I am 100% sure he will come back stronger. Every player who has a contract has a future. We all know what he is capable of. He can have a big impact on the game."
He says he has exchanged text messages with Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta after criticising Arsenal's style of play. Hurzeler explained: "It's nothing personal and I've said it before - I see him as one of the top managers in the Premier League. I texted him and said the same thing to him as well, that I have huge respect for everyone at Arsenal and I will be the first one to congratulate them when they win the Premier League, because if they win it they will definitely deserve it."
He then says he believes he has a right to express his opinion: "But on the other side there were just things that made me emotional and I am a person that sticks to my principles, sticks to my opinion, although it created a lot of noise. I think that's important in life."
When asked if Arteta responded to his messages he said: "Yes. We had a good exchange before in general and also afterwards he shared his opinion, I shared my opinion. In the end it's football, it's about emotions, everyone defending his side, everyone trying to defend his opinion."
On whether fans saw a different side to him after the Arsenal game: "I wouldn't say that you saw a different person. I'm always very passionate. I love this game. I love working for Brighton. I love wearing the Seagulls colours and therefore I will always be 100% passionate about this club. Maybe sometimes too much regarding the yellow cards I already received!"
Hit play above to hear Hurzeler speaking to BBC Radio Sussex about passion, a new deal for Jack Hinshelwood and Oliver Boscagli or listen on BBC Sounds here
'Been a frustrating season' - Rutterpublished at 06:41 GMT 13 March
06:41 GMT 13 March
Image source, Getty Images
Georginio Rutter says everyone is Brighton is "frustrated" by how the season has gone as he targets a strong end to the 2025-26 campaign.
Albion are 14th in the table, out of the way of the scramble to avoid relegation but at the bottom of a scrum of clubs vying to qualify for European football next year.
"It's been a frustrating season - for the team and for me as well," Rutter told BBC Sport. "Started good but we didn't win for long. Last year was better.
"For the city, for the club, we had the target to play in Europe. It's not finished yet but I am frustrated when I go home. It's not been easy this year."
So far Rutter has two goals and two assists in 24 Premier League games, whereas last term he bagged five and three respectively in 28 league appearances.
He recognises he has not hit the standards he sets for himself.
"I don't score a lot - I've done some assists but it could be better," he said. "That is football and every week I have a chance to score and do my best.
"I'm trying to find a good balance, but it's not easy."
Brighton confirm 90% season ticket renewalpublished at 10:33 GMT 12 March
10:33 GMT 12 March
Image source, Getty Images
Ninety per cent of Brighton and Hove Albion season ticket holders have renewed their season tickets for the Seagulls' 2026-2027 campaign.
In a club statement, deputy chair and chief executive Paul Barber emphasised the value of fan loyalty: "We saw the lift a full stadium can give the players in that crucial phase of the game recently against Nottingham Forest, to help the team across the line, and when we played Arsenal, as we pushed to get something late in the match.
"That support isn't ever taken for granted by Fabian and the players and it can genuinely be the difference between a draw and a win."
Brighton collected feedback which revealed that, for those who chose not to renew, the main cause was personal reasons such as relocation or job changes - while the increasing cost of living was also a factor.
The club also acknowledged that transport is an important issue to match-going fans: "Although the club isn't the provider of transport services and has no control, our operations team are continuously working with our travel providers to encourage and support improvements to match day services wherever it's possible to do so."
Barber added that options for new and returning season ticket holders will be made available soon: "There will be a very good choice of seats for MyAlbion+ members on our season ticket waiting list and new applicants as we look forward to an historic season in which we celebrate our 125-year anniversary."
Rutter on Hurzeler, details and flexibilitypublished at 08:37 GMT 12 March
08:37 GMT 12 March
Forward Georginio Rutter discusses "very young" Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler and says that, despite his tender age, the German has plenty of football knowledge to pass on.
Can Hinshelwood become new March or Dunk?published at 09:04 GMT 11 March
09:04 GMT 11 March
Image source, Getty Images
Last week, Brighton midifleder Jack Hinshelwood signed a new contract with the club.
The academy graduate has put pen to paper on a three-year deal, with head coach Fabian Hurzeler saying he was "delighted to have secured his future here".
Former Brighton defender Guy Butters says he hopes Hinshelwood will have his "mind set on staying for a few years" amid interest from bigger clubs.
"He was outstanding in the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, and people don't realise how much that takes out of you," Butters told the Albion Unlimited podcast.
"Normally at the end of the season as a young pro you want to get off, relax and and you're probably told to get away from it all and to get your head sorted for the new season. To then have to go and play in and win an international tournament, and what all of that entails with the press, it had probably taken a toll on him at the start of this season.
"Now, he is doing fantastically well and It doesn't surprise that the big clubs have come calling. It is brilliant that he has signed a new contract and hopefully his mind is set on staying for a few years now. You never know, he might become a new Solly March or Lewis Dunk, where he stays for most of his career."
Gossip: Brighton confident on sealing El Mala dealpublished at 07:21 GMT 11 March
07:21 GMT 11 March
Brighton are confident of beating Chelsea to the summer signing of Cologne's German winger Said El Mala, 19, who has impressed in his first season in the Bundesliga. (Football Insider), external
Image source, Getty Images
