Brighton & Hove Albion

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Brighton should aim to "get at" Newcastle from the first minute at St James' Park on Saturday, says former Albion midfielder Warren Aspinall, who believes the home crowd will "turn on" their team.

On the back of a dominant 3-0 victory against Chelsea last weekend, Aspinall doesn't want a lot to change from Fabian Hurzeler's side.

"I think Danny Welbeck will come in for Georginio Rutter but that will be it," Aspinall told BBC Radio Sussex's Albion Unlimited podcast.

"It's all about what we do and I'm sick of saying this but, who's going to be the X factor for Brighton on Saturday? Who's going to step up to the plate and keep this run going? That's what I'm asking and I think it will be our wide players.

"They need to put the foot down on the accelerator from the word 'go' - high intensity football like we did in the Chelsea game.

"This crowd will turn on Newcastle. I'm sure some of these players will go into their shell and not many of them go into the trenches when the going gets tough so, I'm hoping we get after them, get an early goal and the crowd will turn on them."

BBC Radio Newcastle's Matthew Raisbeck provided squad news for the Magpies as they're set to navigate injuries in their backline.

"Anthony Gordon's missed two matches with a minor hip injury but they're hoping to get him training this week and as of last Friday, Eddie Howe said they were looking at this Brighton match for him to get back," Raisbeck said.

"No Tino Livramento – he's picked up a thigh injury. Fabian Schar, the centre-half, wouldn't expect him back in the squad just yet.

"But they actually don't have too many injuries which is a good thing because they've been without so many players throughout the season."

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Dale Johnson
Football issues correspondent

We have received some questions via our Brighton 'Ask Me Anything' form around what happens if Hearts and Brighton qualify for Europe and get drawn against each other, does Tony Bloom's financial interest in both teams become problematic?

Bloom has expanded his football interests after making such a success of Brighton.

He now holds shares in Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts and Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise.

All three could qualify for the same European competition this season.

If Hearts or Union Saint-Gilloise secure a place in Champions League qualifying, that could threaten Brighton's place in Europe.

That is because the team in the higher-ranked European competition would get priority if Uefa were to find a breach of multi-club ownership (MCO) rules.

For instance, by losing in Champions League qualifying Hearts or Union SG could potentially drop into the same competition as Brighton.

MCO rules would not allow this and the Seagulls would not be admitted into the competition at all.

Bloom had to reduce his controlling stake in Union Saint-Gilloise below 30% before the 2023-24 Europa League season, as Brighton had also qualified.

When he bought into Hearts last year, Bloom clearly had this conflict in mind by purchasing 29% of the Edinburgh club.

Bloom will hope his house is already in order.

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Brighton will have big decisions to make on which players they will let go to "bigger clubs" this summer, says former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton, as Albion prepare for potential European football next season.

"I think Brighton are a club viewed from the outside where so-called 'bigger' clubs can come and poach their players," Sutton told BBC Radio Sussex's Albion Unlimited podcast.

"They are a selling club essentially. It's not what Brighton fans want but I think they understand the model.

"The concern from the outside is how long can Danny Welbeck go on for? Because he's had a phenomenal season so I don't think, for his sake, that Brighton fans want him to go the World Cup. They'll want him resting and recuperating and putting his feet up.

"But I suppose there are always decisions to be made at the end of every season in terms of bigger clubs coming in for players and who Brighton are prepared to let go for a certain fee."

Fabian Hurzeler's side currently hold a Europa League qualification spot, as they sit sixth in the Premier League, and Sutton believes the south coast outfit will need the numbers if they want to compete in all competitions next season.

"I think Newcastle are a good example," Sutton said.

"They are a squad that hasn't coped with Champions League football [this season] and that would be the worry.

"But if you're a Brighton supporter, that's the dream isn't it? Champions League football is what you want. There's always that worry in the back of a supporter's mind - 'is the squad big enough and strong enough to compete on the European front?'.

"People talk about the volume of games players already have to cope with anyway and I get that, but as a fan you want to be involved and have those journeys across Europe with your family and the memories."

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Manchester United do not want to get into a bidding war for Nottingham Forest and England midfielder Elliot Anderson, 23, who is also a target for Manchester City, and could turn to other targets such as Brighton's Cameroon international Carlos Baleba. (ESPN, external)

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We asked for your views on Brighton's chances of qualifying for European football this season, with just four fixtures left for Fabian Hurzeler's side to stake their claim.

Here are some of your thoughts:

Charlie: Who knows, only time will tell! I am confident though, as we have a good run-in and a good group of lads. The morale is high and we are playing beautiful football at this point in time. We can only hope and pray but I believe we can make it over the line.

David: We have a group of players who are capable of beating any Premier League team, plus three of our four remaining games are against teams below us in the table. The positive goal difference may well be worth an extra point too. So yes, we will qualify for Europe for next season.

Julian: Brighton have a propensity for drawing with teams they should be beating, if you look at our results against the bottom three. But, if they can beat Newcastle this Saturday, I am optimistic they will do enough to qualify for Europe at some level.

Daniel: I've been trying not to focus on the table but take it game-by-game, although, I'm starting to get excited now. I'm dreaming of us getting Champions League, if Aston Villa win the Europa League.

Andrew: I would be very pleased with qualifying for the Conference League. I've heard too many warnings recently that makes me think we would need to invest in the squad, so surely the Champions League would leave our finances on a knife-edge. There are several former Premier League teams in the lower leagues who tried to fly with the gods.

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Brighton and Hove Albion say their plans for Europe's first purpose-built women's football stadium, announced on Tuesday, will "provide a permanent home and identity for the women's team" in an attempt to drive long-term fan growth.

Located at Bennett's Field, a site adjacent to the Amex Stadium - the home of Brighton's Premier League side - and costing cost £75-80m, it will hold an initial capacity of 10,000 and will be connected to the Amex via a bridge walkway.

With work under way on a planning application, the club hope to officially open the stadium for the start of the 2030-31 season.

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Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

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Not only are ups and downs going to be happening at breakneck speed at the bottom of the table, don't be surprised if that happens into the final day with Arsenal and Man City slugging it out at the top.

It will happen in the race for the European places too.

When there are currently only four points between seven teams fighting for those spots, a one-point swing would be incredible but there will be bigger swings than that every week.

As we saw this weekend, everything can change in 10 minutes, making predictions futile.

But having said that, I reckon Brighton might just have enough to get to sixth. They have the momentum which is vital at this time.

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Feyenoord striker Ayase Ueda, 27, has been added to the shortlist of attacking players wanted by Everton this summer, with Leeds, Tottenham and Brighton also showing interest in the Japan international. (Teamtalk), external

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A new episode of BBC Radio Sussex's Albion Unlimited podcast is now available to listen to and download on BBC Sounds.

Johnny Cantor talks can Brighton cope with European football as they strive for the Champions League, with former Premier League striker Chris Sutton joining the debate.

There is also a lookahead to Saturday's trip to St James' Park with the help of BBC Radio Newcastle's Matthew Raisbeck.

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

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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

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It's still all to play for in Brighton's four remaining Premier League games.

The permutations for getting into Europe this season are complex but BBC Sport's Dale Johnson has broken them down here.

So will you be playing European football next season? If yes, why are you confident? If not, what can take you on to that next step?

Get in touch with your views here

Joe Sayers
Fan writer

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Well, if the rumours are to be believed, Adam Webster's time at the Albion may draw to a close at the end of the 2025-26 season, and with it, a chapter that has helped define one of the most transformative periods in the club's history.

Webster arrived as a statement signing, a record-breaking deal that signalled a shift in ambition and identity. But beyond the fee, it was his composure, intelligence and quiet leadership that truly embodied that new era. He wasn't just part of the project, he became one of its pillars.

Through highs and lows, he has worn the shirt with a pride that never wavered. Injuries may have interrupted his rhythm at times, but they never diminished his resolve. Time and again, when doubts crept in or setbacks mounted, Webster returned - steady, reliable and determined - reminding everyone exactly why he remained so valued within the squad.

There's something to be said for players who don't chase headlines but instead earn respect through professionalism and character. Adam has been that player. A calm presence in defence, a mentor within the dressing room and someone who understood what it meant to represent the club during a period of unprecedented growth.

If this is indeed the end, it won't just be a farewell to a defender, it will be the closing of an era shaped by resilience, evolution and belief.

Supporters will remember more than performances; they'll remember commitment, loyalty and integrity.

Adam Webster may move on, but his place in the club's story is already secure.

So here's to you, Webby. Brighton will always have a home for you.

Find more from Joe Sayers at Albion Obsessed, external

Manchester United are monitoring 22-year-old Brighton and Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba. (Athletic - subscription required), external

Meanwhile, Seagulls centre-back Igor Julio could be set for a return to Brazil after spending the first half of the season on loan at West Ham, with Cruzeiro exploring the 28-year-old's situation. (ESPN - in Portuguese), external

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Taking three points off Chelsea was not the only reward for the Brighton players and staff as they have also been given five days off.

Addressing his team in the dressing room on Tuesday, Fabian Hurzeler announced they do not need to return to training until Monday when they will start preparing for their trip to Newcastle on Saturday, 2 May.

"I don't normally do it, but you give me a lot and 100% know you will also go all in for the final part of the season," he said. "Four games left and I know you will give everything for this badge and for everyone here.

"So I want you to refresh yourself physically, mentally, and we'll see you guys on Monday.

"There's trust from my side towards you, so make sure you do your individual programme and recovery.

"You gave me a lot so I give you my trust!"

Scott McCarthy
Fan writer

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After Brighton beat Chelsea 3-0 at the Amex, I put my GCSE maths B grade from Oakmeeds Community College in Burgess Hill to good use.

Including transfer add-ons, Marc Cucurella cost the Blues £62m. Graham Potter and five of his staff £21m. Robert Sanchez £25m. Moises Caicedo £115m. Joao Pedro £60m.

Making a grand total of somewhere in the region of £283m paid by Chelsea to the Albion since 2022 for various members of staff.

Remarkably, the true figure is probably even higher. Those calculations do not include recruitment figures like Paul Winstanley and Sam Jewell.

Nor does it stop there. Liam Rosenior is a former Brighton full-back. Ex-Albion goalkeeper Casper Ankergren now works as a coach at Stamford Bridge.

After Facundo Buonanotte was deemed surplus to requirements this summer by Brighton as fourth choice number 10, Chelsea signed him on loan.

In 2023, they hijacked Albion's deal to buy Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall at the 11th hour when the Leicester midfielder was on route to Sussex for a medical.

BlueCo also bought Julio Enciso and Valentin Barco from Brighton for Strasbourg. What are the odds on that pair swapping France for Stamford Bridge in the not-too-distant future after impressing in Ligue 1?

The only conclusion you can possibly draw now is that Chelsea are obsessed with Albion.

Dare I say it, but this obsession and the asset stripping of anything not nailed down at the Amex means I take as much delight from humiliating them as I do Brighton beating Crystal Palace these days.

And there has been plenty of humiliation done recently. Three consecutive Premier League victories for Brighton over the Blues by an aggregate score of 9-1 alongside eliminating them from the FA Cup last season.

At some point, you might think the penny will drop for Chelsea. That it is not the people who make the Albion successful, but the systems put in place by the one bloke overseeing it all.

Todd Boehly and co. might have all that money. Brighton have Tony Bloom. Good luck buying him.

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There can be nothing more satisfying for Brighton and their fans than putting Chelsea to the sword.

Chelsea have plundered Brighton down the years; players, managers, coaches, recruitment staff.

After last night, Chelsea are behind Brighton in the table, heading the wrong way, down the table, rather than up it.

Seagulls owner Tony Bloom and trusted chief executive Paul Barber watched on, their satisfaction was palpable.

What Chelsea could not buy was them. Bloom's data, Barber's business acumen; their partnership.

As long as they remain at the Amex, Brighton will continue to punch above their weight.

There are some basic truths. Brighton do not operate under the same scrutiny as Chelsea. When Fabian Hurzeler was struggling earlier this season, the spotlight was not as fierce as the one on Liam Rosenior just now. It provides breathing space and crucial time.

Strategies are planned well in advance. Which players are likely to leave - there are always some - what profile are needed in their place.

Bloom and Barber are nimble in a way the biggest clubs are not. Decision making is easier, reaction to unexpected events quicker.

Brighton are on track for Europe, something Bloom feels should be a target.

They don't get everything right. But, as Chelsea have found out, it goes a lot deeper than just taking their staff.

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Jack Hinshelwood says he "had a feeling" he would score a goal in Brighton's 3-0 win over Chelsea on Tuesday and feels the Seagulls have now "set the standard" for games to come.

The Brighton midfielder told Radio Sussex: "I think we really set the tone early. The early-on goal helped, we filled the pitch with intensity. It carried on throughout the night.

"I think we used frustration from the game on Saturday, we were disappointed.

"I said to my partner and my daughter, who's only 10 months, I said I was going to score today, I just had a feeling. When the first one went by I knew I was getting in the right areas and I just had to keep doing that and I've been doing that the last few weeks and I've been lacking that final touch. When the ball hit the net today it was a nice feeling and a relief.

"We've set the standard now, we can go into each game with great confidence. If we keep the intensity we had today we will have a great chance in all of the games we have left."

Hinshelwood says he will be in attendance at Worthing FC's game against Ebbsfleet Utd to support his dad - Worthing manager Adam Hinshelwood on Saturday.

He added: "For sure I will be there. I think if you told him when he took over at Worthing that if he won the last game of the season, he would get promoted, I think he would have taken it. We need the whole of Sussex to get down there and get behind the team."

listen on BBC Sounds here for the full chat.

We asked for your thoughts after Tuesday's Premier League game between Brighton and Chelsea.

Here are some of your comments:

Brighton fans

Sarah: What a cracker of a game! The first 15 minutes was like watching a well-choreographed ballet - tight passing, forward motion and the great Ferdi Kadioglu goal. The rest of the match didn't disappoint either. The team have really come together cohesively as a side. The best game I've seen this season and certainly the worst from Chelsea. I almost felt sorry for them. If we can hold our nerve, we really are in with a chance of Europe. Just a few short weeks after we were being mentioned in terms of relegation.

Simon: We were super, but never needed to be brilliant. It was like watching a pre-season friendly against Crawley, who would have been better than Chelsea. Just need to keep calm and carry on like this and we can book our flights across Europe again.

Sean: No matter how bad Chelsea were tonight, Brighton were completely dominant - very exciting times!

Jake: A strong performance - surely Kadioglu has to be player of the season?But the turnaround Fabian Hurzeler has managed is quite spectacular considering the chants after the loss to Crystal Palace. A number of Albion fans - myself included - need to eat a big slice of humble pie. And frankly, I'm fine with that as he guides us towards a second European campaign.

Chelsea fans

Dave: Liam Rosenior has to go! He should never have been given the job to begin with. We need a strong manager with a record. These players need leadership and some experience on the field.

Baz: Management pathetic in all departments. The majority of players have no passion or care for the club. Bring in new management and players that care for the club.

Graham: Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez,Moises Caicedo, Estevao, Marc Cucurella and Joao Pedro will all be talking to their agents in the morning and having the same conversation: "Get me out of here." That was a team that didn't believe in the management, on and off the pitch.

Russell: The worst Chelsea display I've seen in the past 40 years, and that is by far the most expensive side put together. What a complete shambles from top to bottom.

Brighton could offer 23-year-old England goalkeeper James Trafford a route out of Manchester City in the summer. (Florian Plettenberg), external

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