Although the tension is not known greatly outside of the fanbases, the history of the fixture remains, making it arguably the most important game of the season for both teams. The match-up has had many memorable moments throughout the years, with the playoff semi-final in 2013 and the 5-goal thriller in 2018.

  • Form

Visitors Brighton have started the season excellently, sitting in 4th place. Although it is still early days in the season, it will be encouraging for supporters and players with the matches to come. Their most impressive win so far came in game week 5, when they beat Leicester City 2-1. The game was the subject of VAR controversy, but ultimately, Brighton took home all three points. They will be looking to overcome Crystal Palace on Monday to cement their position further.

The Eagles will be satisfied with their start to a new epoch for the club, collecting five points out of a possible 15. The highlight of the season for Palace was their 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur, where new signing Odsonne Edouard had a dream debut, scoring 28 seconds after coming on. Draws against West Ham, and newly promoted Brentford provided positive signs for the season ahead.

  • What it means

The match under the lights will be worth so much more than three points for both sides. Bragging rights until the reverse fixture, goal scorers being etched into cult history, and a memorable night are all the rewards for the victors.

The last meeting between the two was a 2-1 away win for Crystal Palace, back in February. That game provided one of, if not the biggest, “smash and grab” results in Premier League history. Brighton dominated the entire game with 25 shots against Palace’s three, but the third proved to be vital when Christian Benteke volleyed home to win the game, in the 95th minute.

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​That memory may still be fixed in both sets of players’ heads for the upcoming game. Brighton will want some sort of revenge for the loss, whereas Palace will want to rub salt in the wounds of The Seagulls.

The evening is set to be lively, with both sets of fans and players looking forward to the match and what is at stake. The man in control of the inevitably feisty affair is Andre Marriner, who will have his work cut out in keeping things under control.

  • New Faces

There will be several new players introduced to the rivalry on Monday. Michael Olise of Palace has been featuring for The Eagles of late and will be hoping to quickly become a fan favourite by performing well.

Another player who is already becoming an integral part of the Palace side is Connor Gallagher. It will be his first match against Brighton whilst being in red and blue, and after a strong start to the season, he will be hoping to add another bright game to his Palace career.

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For Brighton, new signing Marc Cucurella will have to be on his toes to stop Palace’s tricky forwards from getting past him and his teammates.

For neutrals, the historic rivalry is hard to grasp at first, but by simply watching the game on Monday night they will see the bitterness and long-fought battle between the two sides.

  • Team News

Crystal Palace will remain without Eberechi Eze and Nathan Ferguson - both of whom are still struggling with long-term injuries.

Patrick Vieira, however, also gave a positive update on his side's injuries. He said that Eze and Ferguson are "progressing" but added that it is "too early to talk about them coming back and getting involved with the first team".  Jeff Schlupp is also still doubtful after missing last weeks game through injury.

Brighton will be without Adam Webster, who is injured, and therefore unavailable for selection. Yves Bissouma has an ongoing knee problem that appeared to cause him discomfort against Leicester, causing him to be doubtful. Alexis Mac Allister and Enock Mwepu are both also doubtful. 

  • How to watch

The match will kick-off at 20:00 GMT on Monday 27th September and will be available to watch on Sky Sports Main Event.

If you are unable to watch the game, VAVEL UK is your best option for minute-by-minute updates and analysis. 

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