Ipswich Town return to Premier League action tomorrow night as Brighton visit Portman Road for a crucial clash under the lights. Alex Jones takes a closer look at the Seagulls.

Ipswich Town earned a point in Sussex in early SeptemberIpswich Town earned a point in Sussex in early September (Image: Ross Halls)

Since the last meeting

Brighton started the season incredibly well, occupying a Champions League place at the end of August. It certainly wasn’t expected, given that many predicted a period of transition in their first season under 31-year-old manager Fabian Hurzeler – the youngest boss in Premier League history.

Their form has taken a bit of a hit, which is understandable. The Seagulls have a relatively young squad and Hurzeler is still finding his feet after leaving Germany for the first time in his career.

Since the 0-0 draw against Ipswich at the Amex Stadium – a game where the hosts really should have taken all three points – Brighton have won four, drawn eight and lost four of their 16 league games.

It doesn’t take much to realise that they have become draw specialists, which isn’t necessarily a good thing or a bad thing. It sees them occupy 10th spot after 20 matches, having accumulated 28 points.

Ultimately, a mid-table finish looks likely for this season, which would give Brighton something to build off going forward as they target a place in Europe in the near future.

The Seagulls beat Manchester City earlier in the seasonThe Seagulls beat Manchester City earlier in the season (Image: PA)

Taking on the top teams

If there’s one thing that Brighton are good at, it’s taking points off of top-six teams.

It’s something that the Seagulls have become adept at since securing promotion to the Premier League back in 2017. That hasn’t changed under Hurzeler.

In August, Brighton beat Manchester United before taking a point off Arsenal at the Emirates. In October, they came from 2-0 down to beat Tottenham 3-2 on home soil. The month after that, they came from behind once again to defeat Manhcester City at the Amex.

In their most recent league game, Joao Pedro’s penalty helped them earn a 1-1 draw against the Gunners down in Sussex.

Points have been dropped in frustrating circumstances against lower-ranked teams, however, such as the aforementioned draw against Town earlier in the campaign. Brighton have had a few games like that, where they have dominated but been left frustrated.

They do boast the quality to unpick even the strongest of defences when they are at their best.

Ipswich Town defender Leif Davis praised Carlos Baleba earlier in the seasonLeif Davis praised Carlos Baleba earlier in the season (Image: PA)

A surprise star

Carlos Baleba is starting to get the recognition he deserves.

The 21-year-old joined Brighton from LOSC Lille in the summer of 2023 but went under the radar last season. This campaign has been totally different.

Baleba has formed a strong partnership with Yasin Ayari in recent weeks. While the latter is more agile and creative, the former is a midfield destroyer. He links the Seagulls' defence and attack together, which showcases his strong work rate and physicality.

He can also impact the game in the final third, particularly when he's in West London. Baleba bagged a goal and an assist against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge before finding the net away at Fulham a few weeks later. Ultimately, Brighton were beaten in both games.

His shot map shows that he's not afraid to have a go from distance, with just three of his 24 attempts this season coming from inside the box.

Town left-back Leif Davis even picked him as the toughest opponent he’s faced in the Premier League this season when asked back in October, saying: “For me, he’s one of the best players I’ve played against ever. I don’t know how, but he looks so clean and so smooth on the ball.

“He’s still a young lad as well, which is mental, I didn’t think he was that young. He looks like he’s playing with no pressure on his shoulders, nothing.

“Against us, I think he ran the game. It was difficult to get near him. In the games after, we’ve watched him and he’s exactly the same.”

Brighton earned a big win against Norwich City in the third round of the FA CupBrighton earned a big win against Norwich City in the third round of the FA Cup (Image: PA)

Cruising in the cup

Brighton won’t relegated this season and are unlikely challenge the teams at the very top of the Premier League. As a result, they could look at the FA Cup as a good opportunity, which is what it’s proved to be in the past.

The Seagulls have reached the semi-finals of the competition twice since stepping up to the top flight – in 2019 and 2023. Those trips to Wembley ended in disappointment, but will always be remembered as incredible days out for the supporters who went.

What’s to say that they can’t go one step further and reach the final, or even win it? The FA Cup has been a competition dominated by the top six, but with rotation becoming the norm to keep the focus on the league, this could be a chance for Brighton to return to Europe and earn their first piece of major silverware in their history.

They have taken their first step towards doing so, seeing off Norwich City with relative ease last weekend. A brace from Georginio Rutter, coupled with goals from Julio Enciso and Solly March, saw Hurzeler’s side record a 4-0 win at Carrow Road. It was a particularly special moment for March, who bagged his first goal following a lengthy injury lay-off.

Chelsea await in the next round for Brighton, which is certainly a daunting task. But given their record against stronger sides, they will fancy their chances at Stamford Bridge.

Joao Pedro injured his ankle in training last weekJoao Pedro injured his ankle in training last week (Image: PA)

Team news

Brighton are starting to sweat about their options up front, with versatile striker Joao Pedro now a major doubt to face Ipswich.

Hurzeler revealed last week that the Brazilian international twisted his ankle in training and is set for a scan. It remains to be seen how long he’ll be out for, but he probably won't be featuring for the Seagulls at Portman Road.

This leaves them without a fully fit no.9. Although Danny Welbeck and Evan Ferguson are both available, they have been recovering from ankle injury issues. Neither player has started a game in the last month, with Rutter leading the line at Norwich in their most recent match.

Defender Igor Julio (thigh) is likely to miss months after picking up a knock against Arsenal while full-back Ferdi Kadioglu (toe), who’s been out for the last 10 games, is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after having an operation.

Mats Wieffer (leg), Jack Hinshelwood (knee) and James Milner (hamstring) are also doubts heading into the clash in Suffolk. Lewis Dunk (calf) is expected to return to the matchday squad.

Possible XI: 4-2-3-1: Verbruggen; Veltman, Van Hecke, Webster, Estupinan; Baleba, Ayari; Gruda, Enciso, Mitoma; Rutter