U18s Preview: Palace v Brighton

Academy

23 Oct 2025

Crystal Palace take on rivals Brighton in the U18s Premier League South on Saturday (25th October, 11:00) at the The Amex Elite Football Performance Centre – get the full lowdown below!

This game will be streamed LIVE on Palace TV+ on Saturday morning (11:00 BST) - click HERE to learn more about Palace TV+ and subscribe today!

Eagle-Eyed Review

Top of the table in the U18 Premier League South and leading Group D in the Premier League Cup – it’s been a flying start under Javier Alonso!

The young Eagles soared to the summit with an emphatic 4-0 win over Fulham in Saturday’s London derby at Copers Cope (18th October). After dominating the first half and twice hitting the woodwork, Palace finally broke through in the second period.

Stuart Oduro opened the scoring on 52 minutes, before Benji Casey netted his 13th of the season to double the lead. Late strikes from substitute David Angibeaud and a sensational curling effort from skipper Jasper Judd sealed a statement victory.

That result means just one defeat in our last seven league games – a run that includes five wins. With confidence sky-high, the young Eagles look ready to face off against rivals Brighton.

The Opponents: Brighton U18s

Brighton currently sit eighth in the U18 Premier League South, level on points with Reading but behind the top pack, with some teams above holding games in hand.

It’s been a mixed campaign for the Seagulls so far. They opened with a 2-0 defeat to reigning champions Aston Villa, before earning a goalless draw against West Brom. A heavy 4-0 loss to Manchester United followed, capping off a tough early run.

However, Brighton bounced back with back-to-back wins – a 5-2 thriller over Norwich and a commanding 4-0 display against Reading – only to stumble again in a 4-0 defeat to Chelsea.

Since then, they've shown encouraging signs of consistency – holding then-league leaders Arsenal to a draw, securing an emphatic 4–0 victory over Birmingham, though narrowly falling 2–1 to current runners-up Leicester.

Historically, Brighton have been steady but unspectacular in this division – finishing no higher than sixth in recent years. Their best cup run came in 2021/22, when they reached the sixth round of the FA Youth Cup.

Likely Line-Up

Brighton U18s XI: Rutter, Outen, Ademola, Ferdinand (c), Anah, Middleton, Brennan, Newnham-Reeve, Ibrahim, Cullinane, Kasvosve.

Team News

Head Coach Bjorn Hamberg has a reputation for squad rotation and tactical flexibility, often relying on his bench to change the game. Expect to see some shuffle in the starting XI.

Potential swaps could see Adam Brett and Bode Newnham-Reeve lead the line, Darius Lane stepping in for Jesse Middleton in midfield, and Zac Brennan or Jackson Morby rotated in defence. Skipper Tate Ferdinand may also rotate with Seb Ademola in the back line.

The Seagulls aren’t shy about changing shape or personnel depending on the opponent – something Palace will need to be sharp about from the first whistle.

Pre-Match Analysis

Brighton are solid but inconsistent. They’ve scored the eighth-most goals in the league and conceded a similar number – suggesting a balanced side, though not particularly dominant at either end.

Their record remains respectable, with two wins, two draws, and three defeats. Notably, their recent form has shown signs of improvement, highlighted by a hard-earned draw against title contenders Arsenal and a convincing 4-0 victory over Birmingham.

Still, playing your rivals throws any kind of form out the window. Expect a tight, emotional contest – and don’t be surprised if set-pieces or individual brilliance prove decisive.

Key Player: Younes Ibrahim

Brighton's creative spark comes from 17-year-old playmaker Younes Ibrahim, who leads their scoring charts with three goals and an assist this season.

A graceful left-footer with a flair for dribbling and creativity, Ibrahim is a constant threat between the lines.

He’s alreadydrawing interest at international level, with reports suggesting he’s committed to representing Egypt U20s – despite being eligible for Australia, England, and Morocco.

With his elegant style and sharp footballing brain, Ibrahim is the kind of player who can change a game in an instant. If Palace can keep him quiet, they may well silence Brighton’s most dangerous weapon.

The Gaffer: Bjorn Hamberg

A well-known figure in English football, Björn Hamberg returned to Brighton in August 2025 to take charge of the club’s U18 side.

Hamberg previously served as part of Graham Potter’s backroom staff at Östersunds FK, Swansea City, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Chelsea, and also brings valuable experience from his time at Feyenoord. His tactical acumen and top-level expertise make him a strong asset to the academy setup.

The Swedish coach also stepped up as interim manager during a Premier League fixture in 2022, when both Potter and his assistant were sidelined due to COVID-19.

Hamberg's coaching career began in his native Sweden with Östersunds FK, before moving to Swansea and later joining Brighton alongside Potter in 2019. Now back at the club, he’s focused on nurturing the next generation of Seagulls talent.

Match Details

Brighton Under-18s v Crystal Palace Under-18s

Saturday, 25th October
11:00
The Amex Elite Football Performance Centre
U18s Premier League South
Watch LIVE on Palace TV+

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