Jump To:The CoachKey PlayerLast Season's ResultsTop ScorerLessons From Last YearMost Likely To...Least Likely To...View From The StandsFixturesTitle OddsFFT VerdictCopy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterBrighton have European fixtures on their schedule for only the second time in their history so why does it feel anticlimactic?The Seagulls will be considered among the favourites to win the 2026-27 UEFA Conference League, such is the mammoth financial advantage enjoyed by Premier League sides in that competition. Some fans are already making plans for the final in Istanbul next June, despite not knowing until August 3's draw who their team will face in the qualifying play-off.The truth, though, is that Fabian Hurzeler's side stumbled over the line. Losing their final two games left them needing other results to decide whether they would be in the Europa League, the Conference League, or neither.Will the Seagulls see Conference League glory? Brighton 2026-27 season previewStill, for Albion's size, four Premier League top-half finishes in five years is impressive. Brighton know from 2023-24 how extra Thursday night games can impact domestic form.Results last season often suffered as well when first-choice players in key roles weren't available. It exposed a lack of squad depth, especially in wide attacking areas. You may like Unai Emery's Europa League champions are the most likely non-Big 6 side to disturb the Premier League title race - Aston Villa 2026-27 season preview Bournemouth have waved goodbye to Andoni Iraola, but will they continue to build upon the fine work he laid down? - Bournemouth 2026-27 season preview Brentford were on the verge of European football last time out, but can it get even better for Bees fans? - Brentford 2026-27 season preview Whether Brighton can cope will hinge on recruitment, particularly with three old heads Solly March, Adam Webster and James Milner moving on. Right-back Costinha will be ready to go, as will central defensive duo Luka Vuskovic and Pascal Struijk, but young AIK wing ace Zadok Yohanna is straight out of the Tony Bloom playbook.The CoachFabian Hurzeler's comments about Arsenal's style of play may not have impressed Mikel Arteta, but they went down well with the Brighton faithful, who had struggled to bond with the 33-year-old coach up until then. He looks increasingly at home in the Premier League.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Key PlayerThe average age of Brighton's squad will fall significantly this summer, so leadership in the dressing room matters. Pascal Gross, 35, had no pace to lose in the first place but he still has excellent technical ability and tactical nous in midfield vital in a long and gruelling season.Last Season's ResultsPREMIER LEAGUE: 8thFA CUP: Fourth Round What to read next FourFourTwo's 2025/26 Season Preview revisited: Five predictions we got RIGHT...and five things that shocked us Bromley vs Leicester and 10 more things to look forward to in the EFL this season Can I watch Brighton vs Man Utd on TV? Live streams & preview LEAGUE CUP: Fourth RoundTop ScorerDanny Welbeck was the Seagulls' most prolific scorer last season, bagging 14 in all competitions.The striker may not be present in Brighton for this campaign, however, with a move to Chelsea on the cards.Lessons From Last YearDon't panic! On Valentine's Day, having been knocked out of the FA Cup and on a run of one win in 13 league games, the Seagulls resembled relegation candidates.A small but vocal contingent of fans wanted Hurzeler sacked. But Bloom stuck by his man, and seven wins from their next 10 gave Brighton a chance of Champions League qualification on the final day.In the end, they had to settle for the Conference League, but the owner's level-headed loyalty was rewarded.As rivals Crystal Palace showed that even teams who fare poorly in the Premier League can win Europe's third-tier competition, Albion fans will expect this second trip to the continent to be more than just a holiday romance.Most Likely To...Attract golfers. Nike's shirt for the club's 125th anniversary will be worn for just one fixture, but it'll look right at home on the greens.Least Likely To...Bring in Sean Dyche as director of football and label data-based scouting as woke nonsense.View From The StandsWords by: OWEN WILKINSON @Wilka1983Last season was a real rollercoaster, with a huge mid-season slump that turned dreams of Europe into nightmares of trips to Swansea, Cardiff and Lincoln. The turnaround after that was miraculous.This season will be different because the Conference League will place more demands on the squad. But our young players are also another year more experienced.Our key player will be Danny Welbeck, for his leadership and work rate as well as his goal threat.Look out for 19-year-old frontman Charalampos Babis' Kostoulas, who's had little spells of game time to help him adapt. An overhead kick against Bournemouth hinted at what a talent he may be.The opposition player I'd love here is Igor Thiago, who might enjoy a bit of European football. He'd fit our system well.I won't be happy unless we stop the rot against Palace. Our performances in those games haven't been good enough since Fabian Hurzeler arrived.The fans' opinion of the gaffer is not as good as you'd imagine, despite two 8th-place finishes. Roberto De Zerbi was a tough act to follow. But it felt like the tide changed when our form picked up.The ground I'm least looking forward to visiting is Selhurst Park, a ramshackle shed that provides dreadful views and prehistoric facilities.Our biggest grudge match will be against Chelsea. No doubt they'll be restocking from us.We'll finish 8th again.FixturesAUGUST23 Aston Villa (H)29 Chelsea (A)SEPTEMBER5 Leeds (H)12 Coventry (A)19 Arsenal (H)OCTOBER10 Sunderland (A)17 Crystal Palace (H)24 Liverpool (A)31 Man City (A)NOVEMBER7 Brentford (H)21 Hull City (A)28 Newcastle (H)DECEMBER2 Bournemouth (A)5 Nott'm Forest (A)12 Everton (H)19 Ipswich (H)26 Fulham (A)30 Tottenham (A)JANUARY2 Man United (H)6 Bournemouth (H)16 Brentford (A)23 Man City (H)30 Newcastle (A)FEBRUARY6 Hull City (H)10 Man United (A)20 Tottenham (H)27 Ipswich (A)MARCH3 Fulham (H)13 Leeds (A)20 Coventry (H)APRIL10 Aston Villa (A)17 Chelsea (H)24 Everton (A)MAY1 Nott'm Forest (H)8 Sunderland (H)15 Crystal Palace (A)23 Liverpool (H)30 Arsenal (A)Title OddsBrighton to win the 2026/27 Premier League title odds: 175/1FFT VerdictFourFourTwo verdict: Brighton to finish 9th.Much could depend on how new Croatian club-record buy Vuskovic (coming in from Spurs for �46m, but still only 19) steps in for fellow central defender Jan Paul van Hecke (sold to Spurs for �52m).This feature was written in June as part of FourFourTwo magazine's legendary Season Preview issue which can be ordered here.TOPICSPremier LeagueOwen Wilkinson
