Brighton & Hove Albion

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Brighton manager Fabin Hurzeler speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "Very proud because I think we had a tough start. We made a lot of changes so they needed a bit of time to get used to each other. But then we started playing football after five or ten minutes, that helped us a lot.

"We controlled the game better, we created chances, we scored a nice goal. I think we had a big chance to score a second goal. They were dangerous, and we weren't defending our best in the first half. In the second half we did it better.

"Overall, I was pleased with the performance.

"I'm very happy for the fans because they always give us great support. They have [had] to travel twice to Manchester and it's not the closest place for us. So I'm really happy for them. They spend a lot of money and time for us. Hopefully they have a nice Sunday."

Brighton attacker Brajan Gruda speaking to TNT Sports: "I'm very happy. Especially for me, it's the first time [at Old Trafford].

"We had a good day and I really enjoyed being on the pitch. I can see the fans are enjoying themselves, as well. I'm very proud of the fans and of the team.

"The belief is always there. Everyone believes in each other and I believe in myself and everyone else. We can achieve a lot."

Did you know?

• Brajan Gruda's opener made him the first Brighton player to score in the FA Cup against Manchester United since Gary Stevens in the 1983 final, with the Seagulls going goalless in their previous four meetings with the Red Devils in this competition before this match.

Listen to Hurzeler and Danny Welbeck on BBC Sounds

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

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Brighton fans will feel they owed Manchester United one when it came to the FA Cup.

They might have won on their last three trips to Old Trafford prior to this season, but in this competition, they had nothing but painful memories.

The biggest was that 1983 'Smith must score' FA Cup final, when Seagulls striker Gordon Smith's shot in the last minute at Wembley was saved by Gary Bailey, thus denying them victory, with defeat following in the replay.

Three seasons ago, the two sides met at Wembley again. Most observers felt Brighton were clearly the better side in the semi-final, but it was United who prevailed, on penalties.

This time Fabian Hurzeler's side got the win they deserved.

Aside from the opening couple of minutes, when goalkeeper Jason Steele denied Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes, Brighton looked the more dangerous.

The 12th-minute opener came after Georginio Rutter's shot from Danny Welbeck's cross was booted off the line by Patrick Dorgu and Brajan Gruda pounced on the rebound.

Welbeck claimed the crucial second goal as, while Benjamin Sesko's late header lifted the home fans, Brighton's players kept calm to confirm a third-round exit for United for only the third time in 41 FA Cup ties.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Man Utd's performance

What did you make of Brighton's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Kobbie Mainoo starts only his second game of the season for Manchester United, as Casemiro is on the bench.

Luke Shaw misses out altogether as interim boss Darren Fletcher makes three changes. The only game Shaw has missed so far this season is the EFL Cup defeat at Grimsby in August.

Mason Mount comes in, with Patrick Dorgu dropping back into a defensive role. Leny Yoro replaces Ayden Heaven, who is on the bench. Fletcher's son Tyler returns to the bench alongside twin brother Jack.

Manchester United XI: Lammens, Dalot, Yoro, Martinez, Dorgu, Ugarte, Mainoo, Mount, Bruno Fernandes, Cunha, Sesko.

Substitutes: Bayindir, Maguire, Zirkzee, Malacia, Casemiro, Heaven, J Fletcher, T Fletcher, Lacey.

Brighton boss Fabien Hurzeler makes six changes, including naming former United striker Danny Welbeck as skipper.

Brajan Gruda, Olivier Boscagli, Joel Veltman, Diego Coppola and goalkeeper Jason Steele are also included as Brighton look to beat their opponents in the FA Cup for the first time.

Brighton XI: Steele, Hinselwood, Veltman, Coppola, Boscagli, Gross, Kadioglu, Gomez, Gruda, Rutter, Welbeck.

Substitutes: Verbruggen, Dunk, Van Hecke, Watson, Kostoulas, Mitoma, Ayari, Tasker, Howell.

There are eight third-round ties in the FA Cup on Sunday - as Premier League and Championship teams enter the competition - and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Derby v Leeds (12:00) - BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio Derby & BBC Radio Leeds

• Portsmouth v Arsenal (14:00) - BBC Radio 5 Live & BBC Radio Solent

• Hull v Blackburn (14:30) - BBC Radio Humberside & BBC Radio Lancashire

• Norwich v Walsall (14:30) - BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2, BBC Radio Norfolk & BBC Radio WM

• Sheff Utd v Mansfield (14:30) - BBC Radio Sheffield & BBC Radio Nottingham

• Swansea v West Brom (14:30)

• West Ham v QPR (14:30) - BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and BBC Radio London

• Man Utd v Brighton (16:30) - BBC Radio Manchester and BBC Radio Sussex

Kick-off times GMT

Follow all of the action and reaction here

And find out how to follow the FA Cup across the BBC this weekend here

You can also listen to today's 5 Live commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Derby County v Leeds United" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Portsmouth v Arsenal", for instance.

Find out more about how to listen to football on BBC Sounds

Brighton have been quite erratic this season, and I have done really badly at predicting their results, but they have proved time and time again how dangerous they are.

It's a boost for United that Bruno Fernandes is fit again, but their draw with Burnley on Thursday was still a poor result.

I know United fans love it when their side proves me wrong after I predict they will lose, but I can't see them doing that on Sunday.

Sutton's prediction: 1-2

Read the full predictions and have your say here

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Brighton have reported an operating loss of £54.4m for the 2024-25 season in which they finished eighth in the Premier League.

The loss - before interest and taxation - was primarily due to player trading results, which shifted from a profit of £68.1m to a loss of £25m.

The club say a contributing factor to this was an increase in amortisation after £210m was invested in additions to the playing squad during that campaign.

The end date for these accounts was 30 June 2025 and therefore does not reflect the player sales of Joao Pedro, Simon Adingra, Julio Enciso and Pervis Estupinan.

Chairman Tony Bloom said: "The period covered by these accounts reflects another year of progress both on and off the pitch for the club.

"I remain incredibly proud of the hard work, expertise and professionalism of the players, our board of directors, executive team and entire staff. Their efforts have helped the club go from strength to strength and I thank everyone involved for their continued dedication.

"We enjoyed our time in European competition and aim to push regularly for a European spot - and, of course, we dream of winning the first major trophy in our history. Easier said than done, but we will keep striving.

"Whatever unfolds by the end of May, I'm confident we're in for more memorable moments as we continue the next stage of our journey together."

Karan Vinod
BBC Sport journalist

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has been speaking to the media before Sunday's FA Cup game against Manchester United at Old Trafford (kick-off 16:30 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• On team news: "We need to see how far Yankubah Minteh is today in the training session. It's a dead leg. So it can be like a chance, there's a possibility, but we have to really like see how he is. Babis [Kostoulas Charalampous] and Joel [Veltman] should be available, so they should be an option to start the game."

• Hurzeler revealed there will be "changes" to his starting XI, but stressed that the FA Cup is a competition Brighton "take very seriously", with opportunities handed only to players who "really deserve it".

• On facing a Premier League team away from home: "On the one side, you can't complain; on the other side, if you want to achieve something, you have to beat the best teams, you have to beat the best challengers. So that's why we're not the club that complains about these kinds of things; these are just circumstances we can't change, so we have to accept these kinds of things. Of course, the travels are more intense than if you play at home. I think that's normal, but like I just mentioned, it's not an excuse. We go there to get to the next round."

• Hurzeler said he is aware that Brighton have never beaten Manchester United in the FA Cup and plans to use that as motivation to "go there and change it", adding that his side know they are "capable of going there and winning this game".

• Hurzeler also praised the "attitude" of Diego Gomez despite the midfielder missing a good chance against Manchester City. The Brighton head coach said Gomez "gets an understanding how important it is to attack the opponent's box and to be in this position" and, while he was "unlucky" to miss the opportunity, praised his approach to "keep trying".

• On facing Man Utd with a new head coach: "It's difficult to say because on the one side the players didn't change. So we will face the same quality we faced under Ruben [Amorim]. Of course, I just mentioned that they changed the system. I don't know how they will face us. We saw only one game against Burnley. It's difficult to get so many conclusions out of one game, but the main thing is really what we can really control - is how we prepare for that game, how we step into this game, what our mindset is, how is our standard, how are our actions regarding the things we can control and then we might have to react to them in the half-time, but before that, it's really difficult to prepare, only because of one game."

Hear more from Hurzeler on BBC Sounds

How to follow the FA Cup on BBC

Follow all of Friday's FA Cup news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

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Kaoru Mitoma's 60th-minute equaliser helped guide the Seagulls to a valuable point on the road at Manchester City.

Speaking to BBC Radio Sussex, Mitoma said: "We have to be better. First half, we were not good enough, in terms of intensity and sticking together.

"Second half, we changed a little bit and after the goal we controlled it a bit. I think we deserved a draw."

Earlier in the season Mitoma missed 10 games through injury and he said his time on the sidelines was difficult.

"It is two months since I got an injury. A very tough moment for me. Now I scored the second goal, I want to score more. I want to contribute for the team."

Japan became the first country to qualify for this summer's World Cup finals, but Mitoma is focusing on Brighton for now.

"Of course, everyone wants to play in the World Cup, but we have to focus on the Premier League. We need more points for the team," added Mitoma.

Listen on BBC Sounds

We asked for your thoughts after Wednesday's Premier League game between Manchester City and Brighton.

Here are some of your comments:

Man City fans

Rodrique: Frustrating performance. We played well but failed to win again. We don't kill games when we have opportunities to do it. We have possession but lack ideas in the final third. Our poor run coincides surprisingly with Erling Haaland's goal drought.

Youssef: Disgraceful from City. Koaru Mitoma scored with ease, as he was given too much space and faced no real pressure. We can't convert our shots. If we don't buy Marc Guehi, I can't see us winning the Premier League. However, I am excited for Semenyo to join after his finish against Tottenham.

Shaun: Title race is done. Phil Foden was well off it and Rayan Cherki has been world class he should have been started. The makeshift defence was poor and we will be lucky to get into the top four. Pep Guardiola will be leaving on a low.

Sandra: Oh for Kevin de Bruyne. He would have found a way to score against Brighton.

Brighton fans

Fran: Hard-fought point but should have been three. Played really well at times but we continually give the ball away in really dangerous places where sooner or later we will get punished. Definitely need another striker - someone who can hold the ball up and bring players in to play. Still think we will finish in the bottom half of the table this season.

Maff: Chaotic and disorganised at times. Far too many loose passes and players not in right positions. However, a good point. Arsenal fans will be thanking us.

Alastair: Brighton have something of a hex on almost all of the so-called 'top' teams so their failure to convert more of their chances and win is actually a bit disappointing. That said, Haaland could have had a double hat-trick.

Pedro: A long journey north to steal a point from one of Europe's best teams… and could have won it. Solid effort Brighton.

Pundits Danny Murphy and Stephen Warnock are on hand to bring you the action and talking points from the nine Premier League fixtures so far this week.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler spoke to Sky Sports after his side's draw to Manchester City: "We played a strong first half. In the second half they were better, but we came back to make it 1-1. In the end you have to be happy.

"We started the game strong and had chances. You need to score goals to win a game. The main thing for us is we had chances."

On what his side must do in remaining games: "If we can do it against the top teams, we should be able to find a way against all teams - to show the same belief, courage and personality. That's what I demand from my team."

On playing at their best consistently: "It's the biggest challenge we have. You need to be on your highest level every day. It won't be easy, but that's the challenge we want to face."

Hear more from Hurzeler on BBC Sounds

Did you know?

• Karou Mitoma's equalising goal for Brighton was just the second scored by a Japanese player against Manchester City in the Premier League, after Shinji Okazaki netted for Leicester City against the Cityzens in May 2017, also at the Etihad Stadium.

Shamoon Hafez
Football reporter at Etihad Stadium

Image source, Getty Images

Brighton and their hearty following all the way from the south coast will be left disappointed with a draw - Manchester City were there for the taking but they were unable to get the job done.

How they did not score in the first half will be a mystery. They were provided with gilt-edged opportunities which other teams visiting Etihad Stadium can only dream of.

Ferdi Kadioglu and Georginio Rutter were both guilty but Kaoru Mitoma did manage to draw them level with a delightful strike, rolled into the bottom corner out of the reach of Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Boss Fabian Hurzeler and counterpart Pep Guardiola had plenty of words to say to each other on the touchline during the game, and the pair shared words too at full-time as Brighton extended their unbeaten run against City to four meetings.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has shaken up the team on Wednesday night, partly because of injuries to give others a rest, following Sunday's late draw against Chelsea.

It means there is a senior City debut for 20-year-old academy product Max Alleyne, who was recalled from a season-long loan at Watford to aid the club's injury crisis in defence.

He partners Abdukhodir Khusanov, with Nathan Ake, Nico Gonzalez and Jeremy Doku also coming in.

Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias, Nico O'Reilly, Rodri and Rayan Cherki drop out.

Man City XI: Donnarumma, Nunes, Alleyne, Khusanov, Ake, Gonzalez, Reijnders, Silva, Foden, Doku, Haaland.

Brighton boss Fabian Hurtzeler makes three changes from the side that beat Burnley last time out.

Pascal Gross makes his first start since returning from Borussia Dortmund in this transfer window, with Maxim de Cuyper and Jack Hinshelwood also coming in.

Joel Veltman, Brajan Gruda and Charalampos Kostoulas drop out.

Former City midfielder James Milner, aiming to be only the fifth player aged 40 or over to feature in the Premier League, is on the bench.

Brighton XI: Verbruggen, Gomez, Van Hecke, Dunk, Kadioglu, De Cuyper, Hinshelwood, Ayari, Mitoma, Gross, Rutter.

There are eight games in the Premier League on Wednesday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Bournemouth v Tottenham

• Brentford v Sunderland

• Crystal Palace v Aston Villa

• Everton v Wolves

• Fulham v Chelsea

• Manchester City v Brighton

• Burnley v Manchester United (20:15)

• Newcastle v Leeds (20:15)

Kick-off times 19:30 GMT unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

Tom McCoy
BBC Sport journalist

After losing ground in the title race with back-to-back draws, Manchester City look to return to winning ways against Brighton on Wednesday (19:30 GMT). BBC Sport examines some of the key themes before the match.

Haaland blip coincides with City setbacks

Enzo Fernandez's injury-time equaliser for Chelsea on Sunday left Manchester City six points adrift of leaders Arsenal, prompting Pep Guardiola to demand more ruthless finishing from his side.

"Being clinical is all part of the stats," the City boss said, adding: "You can create chances – our expected goals is higher than everyone – but you have to do it."

His side were slightly unfortunate to drop points at Sunderland on New Year's Day, when their expected goals total was 2.25 – their highest in a Premier League game in which they failed to score since March 2022.

But it was a different story at the weekend, particularly after the break, with their xG of 1.02 the lowest they have recorded in a top-flight match at Etihad Stadium all season.

The key to putting that right is providing better service to Erling Haaland, who has scored in each of his past four Premier League appearances against Brighton.

The Norwegian already has 38 goals for club and country in 2025-26 but has drawn a blank in his three outings since Christmas. The 25-year-old has never gone four consecutive top-flight starts without scoring in his career.

Milner awaits milestone appearance

Brighton ended a six-match winless run with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Burnley on Saturday, lifting the Seagulls back into the top half of the table.

Head coach Fabian Hurzeler praised his side for controlling the game, with Albion completing 546 passes – their highest total in a Premier League game this season – and restricting the Clarets to just five shots.

A very different challenge awaits in midweek. Brighton have never won away to Manchester City in the league, losing 12 of 15 games. They did, however, draw 2-2 on their most recent visit to the Etihad last season and also claimed a 2-1 win when the sides met at Amex Stadium in August.

James Milner scored from the penalty spot in that victory, becoming – aged 39 – the second-oldest scorer in Premier League history. Another milestone may await against his former club. Milner celebrated his birthday on Sunday and could become only the fifth outfield player to appear in the competition after turning 40.

This is another tricky game for Manchester City after they dropped points against Sunderland and Chelsea.

Brighton beat them on the south coast earlier in the season and they are another awkward team who I always feel pose a threat.

City are short of fit centre-halves after Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol were both injured against Chelsea and that will hardly help.

But Pep Guardiola's side cannot afford to lose any more ground in the title race and I am going to back them to get back on track.

The only thing they were really missing against Sunderland and Chelsea was to be a bit clinical.

Erling Haaland cannot keep missing chances, and he is going to go on a run, so I'm putting him down to get a hat-trick - I deserve an extra point if I'm right about that.

Sutton's prediction: 3-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Grace Wheeler
BBC Sport

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Premier League game against Manchester City at Etihad Stadium (kick-off 19:30 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• On team news: "Mats Wieffer won't be available, he still has an issue with his toe. Minteh - we need to have a look, still not perfect but there's a minor chance he will be available tomorrow. At the moment everyone else seems to be fine."

• Hurzeler added he is confident that Kaoru Mitoma will be able to start again, after playing against Burnley on Saturday.

• Hurzeler on Pascal Gross' return to the club: "We brought him in to play, therefore he is an option and he plays a big part of our thoughts for the second part of the season."

• On how he envisages using Gross: "I think Pascal's position is a centre midfielder. He can define the rhythm of the game, create chance and finish in attack. He is capable of scoring and making assists and therefore we want to bring him into this position."

• On James Milner potentially playing a Premier League game past the age of 40: "If you see him working, you can understand how it is possible. It is incredible what he is capable of doing for his age. He is a role model for every young player and he is a role model for everyone in the world because he is working so hard, he's so professional and disciplined."

• Carlos Baleba is playing for Cameroon at Afcon and Hurzeler said: "I watched all the games so far, there were some good performances and some where he can do better. In the last performance he deserved to be man of the match, although he did get cramp during the game. He looked good and he looked happy, which is important for us. We are keeping our fingers crossed that he goes as far as possible and looking forward to having him back."

• On City boss Pep Guardiola: "For me, Pep is the best coach we have in the Premier League. He is always capable of evolving and adapting the game. He is a role model for every coach."

Follow all of Tuesday's Premier League football news

Listen to Hurzeler on BBC Sounds

Joe Sayers
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

They say in life you should never go back, that returning to something from your past rarely lives up to the memory. But after the joy of Pascal Gross returning at the turn of the new year, I am starting to seriously doubt that notion. Some things, it seems, are simply meant to be revisited.

The return of the club legend was announced at almost the perfect moment. With a run of poor performances beginning to drain belief and patience from sections of the Albion fanbase, the news felt like a much-needed lift. It was a reminder of better times, of consistency and leadership in a player who truly understands what this club represents.

It is funny how quickly your mood in football can change, and how one man can completely turn around the emotions of an entire supporter group. One announcement, one familiar face, and suddenly optimism starts to creep back in. That is the power Pascal Gross has always had at Brighton.

Something just feels right again having him back. The excitement of getting to my seat on Saturday felt like being a kid at Christmas. I could not wait to see him back out on that pitch, wearing the badge proudly once again, as if he had never left.

There is no doubt in my mind that this will be a successful return. Yes, he was introduced while we were already 2–0 up against a struggling Burnley side, but his presence was immediate. You could almost feel it, the voice, the calm, the authority. He lifted those around him by just being there.

Quite simply, it was the perfect way to begin our January business. Now, with renewed belief and a familiar leader back among us, let's kick on in the second half of the season and dare to chase our dreams once again.

Find more from Joe Sayers at Albion Obsessed, external

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Brighton's Pascal Gross said he feels "so at home" after returning to the Premier League with a 2-0 win against strugglers Burnley.

The 34-year-old midfielder rejoined the Seagulls after he departed for boyhood club Borussia Dortmund 18 months ago.

Speaking to BBC Radio Sussex, Gross said he "always missed" playing at the Amex Stadium.

"I always felt like one day I hopefully will be and can be back. I am delighted to be back," added Gross.

The German midfielder helped guide Brighton to their highest league finish when they finished the 2022-23 campaign in sixth and secured a place in Europe.

Gross has played in 16 games for Dortmund this season and confirmed he is "fit and ready to go" on his return to Albion, where he made 262 appearances over seven years.

"I want to make a big impact for the group," he told BBC Radio Sussex. "Try to make everyone a bit better in terms of giving them the ball in the right positions, making them shine, and making the forwards score."

He has signed a 18-month contract at Brighton, and will look to add to his 85 total goal contributions in the Premier League.

"I loved playing for the club, and I am loving it again," he added. "I am really looking forward to the daily basic work and helping the club go as far as possible."

Listen to the full interview