Brighton open their 2025/26 Premier League campaign at home on Saturday, to Fulham with a squad reshaped but not entirely reloaded.
Fabian Hurzeler’s second summer in charge has seen more restraint than last year’s £200m spree, though £60m still went into six arrivals, headlined by 18-year-old forward Charalampos Kostoulas. The losses of Joao Pedro and Pervis Estupiñán strip away two of last season’s most reliable outlets, while speculation over Carlos Baleba’s future lingers.
Still, pre-season form saw the Seagulls soar with six wins and a draw, including a double over Wolfsburg. Judging by that, fans would hope for Hurzeler’s boys to arrive sharp and well-drilled. Brighton also carry a habit worth noting: four straight opening-day wins, the best current run in the league.
On the other hand, Fulham’s summer has been quieter. Borderline stagnant. Marco Silva has only one signing to work with, and that too a backup goalkeeper, Benjamin Lecomte. Plus, the boss has publicly called out the club’s lack of depth, and it doesn’t help anyone.
Despite this, Fulham’s pre-season yielded three wins from three, capped by Raul Jiménez’s curling free kick against Eintracht Frankfurt. Last season’s 54-point haul was their best in the Premier League era, but matching it will require more than Silva’s starting XI holding together.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times, and the latest lineup news.
Brighton vs. Fulham live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this Premier League match in the U.S.:
TV channel: USA Network
Live stream: Fubo, NBC Sports App, nbcsports.com
This game is available for live TV broadcast on the USA Network. Streaming options are available on Fubo.
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What time does Brighton vs. Fulham kick off?
This Premier League clash takes place at the Amex Stadium in Brighton, England, and kicks off on Saturday, August 16 at 3 p.m. local time.
Here’s how that time translates across the U.S.:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Sat, Aug. 16 | 10:00 a.m. |
| Central Time | Sat, Aug. 16 | 9:00 a.m. |
| Mountain Time | Sat, Aug. 16 | 8:00 a.m. |
| Pacific Time | Sat, Aug. 16 | 7:00 a.m. |
Brighton vs. Fulham: Predicted starting XI, team news, injury latest
Brighton will be without Solly March until mid-September as he recovers from a knee injury, while Adam Webster faces a lengthy absence after knee-ligament surgery. Julio Enciso is still sidelined following a meniscectomy.
Jack Hinshelwood and Baleba are being assessed ahead of Saturday’s opener, with the latter back in training this week but potentially unsettled by the United speculation. Diego Gomez and Kostoulas are also under evaluation.
Fabian Hurzeler may look to summer signings to freshen up the lineup, with new full-back De Cuyper expected to start, while players like Yankuba Minteh and Mats Wieffer are also in contention for places.
Brighton predicted starting XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Verbruggen (GK) — Wieffer, Van Hecke, Dunk, De Cuyper — Ayari, Gomez — Minteh, O’Riley, Mitoma — Rutter
Injured: March (knee), Enciso (knee), Webster (knee), Baleba (knee, doubt), Kostoulas (match fitness, doubt), Gomez (calf, doubt), Hinshelwood (Knock, doubt)
Suspended: None
Fulham will have fewer injury concerns going into Gameweek 1, with only Antonee Robinson ruled out as he continues recovery from knee surgery in May.
Ryan Sessegnon is a doubt after sustaining an issue in the final preseason game, with Silva awaiting further assessment.
There could be a selection battle for the No.10 role between young midfielder Callum King and Emile Smith Rowe, with King’s preseason form making him a strong contender, though Smith Rowe’s experience might give him the edge.
Raul Jimenez is expected to lead the attack after scoring a free-kick in the final friendly.
Fulham predicted starting XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Leno (GK) — Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Castagne — Berge, Lukic — Smith Rowe, Wilson, Iwobi — Jimenez
Injured: Robinson (knee), Sessegnon (other, doubt)
Suspended: None
Premier League fixture schedule this week
All times ET
Friday, August 15
- Liverpool vs. AFC Bournemouth (3:00 p.m.)
Saturday, August 16
- Aston Villa vs. Newcastle United (7:30 a.m.)
- Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Fulham (10:00 a.m.)
- Sunderland vs. West Ham United (10:00 a.m.)
- Tottenham Hotspur vs. Burnley (10:00 a.m.)
- Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Manchester City (12:30 p.m.)
Sunday, August 17
- Chelsea vs. Crystal Palace (9:00 a.m.)
- Nottingham Forest vs. Brentford (9:00 a.m.)
- Manchester United vs. Arsenal (11:30 a.m.)
Monday, August 18
- Leeds United vs. Everton (3:00 p.m.)
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