Brighton Head Coach Fabian Hurzeler looks on
Brighton Head Coach Fabian Hurzeler looks on
Brighton face Norwegian side Tromso in the second leg of their Conference League play-off tie on Thursday following a goalless draw 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle last week.
Seagull boss Fabian Hurzeler has a big decision to make on whether he should start a strong team just three days before his side play away at Chelsea. His side are huge favourites to make it through to the League Phase of the competition but won't want to be on the end of an embarrassing upset in their search for a first major trophy in the club's history.
Both former Seagulls players Warren Aspinall and Guy Butters believe Hurzeler should go strong against their Norwegian counterparts.
Speaking on the Albion Unlimited podcast, Aspinall said: "Get the job done and put the strongest side out. See if we can get a few goals in the first half then take players off. Man for man we're better than them. As a team, we're better than them but never underestimate them because they should've won that game at home.
"It'll be completely different at the Amex with our crowd. I assume they will bring a good following but we should be beating Tromso. It's a massive game for the football club. Six extra games in Europe, financially as well, so I think he has to go very strong."
Butters agreed with Aspinall's thoughts, saying: "I think it's a good chance to get people game time again. Alright, we won at the weekend, but I still think the minutes you play with each other, when you're a player, you want to play every game, every minute.
"He will have one eye on Sunday as well but I'd go for it in this game."
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View of the Carabao Cup Trophy.
View of the Carabao Cup Trophy.
Premier League trophy
Premier League trophy
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Gossip graphic
Maxim De Cuyper of Brighton & Hove Albion and Jack Hinshelwood of Brighton & Hove Albion celebrate the 4-0 victory during the Premier League.
Maxim De Cuyper of Brighton & Hove Albion and Jack Hinshelwood of Brighton & Hove Albion celebrate the 4-0 victory during the Premier League.
A graphic showing players from all 20 Premier League clubs
A graphic showing players from all 20 Premier League clubs
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A table comparing the distribution metrics of Van Hecke, Vuskovic and Struijk
A table comparing the distribution metrics of Van Hecke, Vuskovic and Struijk
A table showing the changes to Aston Villa's squad
A table showing the changes to Aston Villa's squad
Brighton’s Premier League stats and rankings 2025-26 Goals scored 52 10th Shots 495 7th Shot conversion rate 10.5% 15th Expected goals 57.8 9th Goals conceded 46 3rd Shots faced 442 6th Shot concession rate 10.4% 8th xG against 49.1 5th Goal difference +6 6th= xG difference +8.7 6th xG performance -2.7 12th Points and position 53 8th