Brighton vs Tromsø: UEFA Conference League Preview, Play-Off Round, 2026-27
Diego Gómez will be a pivotal figure again as Brighton search a breakthrough against Tromsø. (Photo by Mike Hewitt / Getty Images)
The weight of expectation rests heavily on Brighton & Hove Albion as they welcome Norwegian visitors Tromsø to the Amex Stadium in a winner-takes-all UEFA Conference League play-off second leg.
Fabian Hürzeler’s side disappointed in a stalemate at the world’s northernmost professional football ground last week, with their 68 per cent share of possession and 25 shots on goal failing to produce a decisive moment.
A 4-0 rout of ten-man Aston Villa in their opening Premier League game will have the Seagulls full of confidence for the return fixture, but a defiant opponent stands in their way.
Tromsø are seeking a first appearance in the group stage of a UEFA competition since 2013-14, a season in which they actually fell in the final qualifying round but were reinstated due to a ban on Beşiktaş.
As such, a win for the Norwegian side would mark a first successful UEFA qualification phase since 2005-06, when they ousted Galatasaray.
Team News
Brighton
Georginio Rutter is uncertain for the game after picking up a slight issue. (Photo by Mike Hewitt / Getty Images)
Georginio Rutter is uncertain for the game after picking up a slight issue. (Photo by Mike Hewitt / Getty Images)
The Seagulls remain without the services of five first-team players in Stefanos Tzimas (knee), Yankuba Minteh (ankle), Kaoru Mitoma (hamstring), Matt O’Riley (virus) and Evan Ferguson (ankle).
In addition to these long-term absentees, Ferdi Kadıoğlu was unavailable against Aston Villa as an unspecified injury aligned with speculation about his future on the south coast.
The Turkey international was spotted taking a full role in training ahead of Thursday’s tie, and is expected to be available for selection.
Georginio Rutter is viewed as being 50-50 for the tie following Hürzeler’s pre-match comments about the Frenchman’s fitness.
Hürzeler said: “Yeah, Rutter, we have to see. He has an issue; it's not a big issue, but therefore we have to go day by day and see how far he will be.
“So let's see [for] tomorrow, and also for the weekend. We have to manage him, but I can't say a clear schedule, if he is fit for tomorrow or not.”
New signings Promise David and Jaouen Hadjam are ineligible to play due to UEFA’s registration rules.
Tromsø
The visitors on Thursday night are currently only missing one member of their first-team squad in defender Leo Cornic (thigh).
Striker Daniel Braut returned from a hip issue for a late appearance in the first leg, while goalkeeper Jakob Haugaard shook off a thigh complaint to play the full 90 minutes last week.
The Eliteserien side rotated heavily for a 5-0 NM-Cup victory over fourth-tier side IL Ulfstind over the weekend, with none of their starting XI from the first leg playing any part.
Nigerian 20-year-old centre-back Vince Osuji made his debut in the cup outing after signing from Club Brugge and could be in line to play a bigger role this week.
Likely lineups
Charalampos Kostoulas may benefit from Rutter's injury concern. (Photo by Mike Hewitt / Getty Images)
Charalampos Kostoulas may benefit from Rutter's injury concern. (Photo by Mike Hewitt / Getty Images)
Brighton
Verbruggen; Wieffer, Boscagli, Vušković, Kadıoğlu; Gross, Ayari; Gómez, Hinshelwood, De Cuyper; Kostoulas
Tromsø
Haugaard; Dahlqvist, Vådebu, Skjærvik, Tønnessen, Warneryd; Edvardsson, Jenssen, Olden Larsen; Nyhammer, Åsen Larsen
Key Players
Pascal Gross
Pascal Gross will be expected to take the armband again for Brighton. (Photo by Mike Hewitt / Getty Images)
Pascal Gross will be expected to take the armband again for Brighton. (Photo by Mike Hewitt / Getty Images)
Brighton’s creative crux will quite simply be the key to prising Tromsø apart at the Amex.
Having taken the armband and a more advanced role in the Arctic Circle last week, the German should be dropped further back on this occasion with more options to pick out in front of him.
The 35-year-old was the Seagulls’ best player in Norway, creating six chances, offering a pass accuracy of 92 per cent and clipping in eight corners, and even charging back to put the pressure on Isak Vådebu, who shot wide late on.
Gross embodies Brighton’s principles and demands, and having seen a fair few European nights with the Seagulls and Borussia Dortmund, he will not be fazed by the pressure of a play-off night.
Jakob Haugaard
A deserved man of the match in the first leg, goalkeeper Haugaard was critical to keeping his side in the tie.
Making big saves to deny Rutter, Ibrahim Osman and Yasin Ayari, the 34-year-old certainly improved upon an erratic performance last time he lined up against Brighton, losing 2-1 with Wigan Athletic back in 2017.
It is a fair assumption to believe Haugaard will be even busier at the Amex.
The Dane’s six-foot-six-inch frame can expect an onslaught from Brighton’s attacking stars, and while those in front of him will be essential to shield the goal, ultimately he is the man tasked with frustrating the hosts.
If he manages to do this for the full 90 minutes, he will give his side a fantastic chance of progressing.
Match Details
Where is the game being played?
The Amex Stadium plays host to the second leg, marking the fifth time a European tie has taken place at the ground.
What time is kick-off?
Kick-off is at 7.30pm BST on Thursday 27th August.
How can I watch?
Brighton vs Tromso is available to watch live via VG+ for supporters in Norway.
A UK broadcaster for the game is yet to be confirmed, with further details expected before kick-off.