Brighton vs Kauno Zalgiris Preview, prediction, injury news & lineups | Conference League 2026-27

These sides have never faced each other before!

Brighton & Hove Albion are all set to take on Futbolo Klubas Kauno Žalgiris for their opening league phase game of the UEFA Conference League 2026-27 edition. This is going to be an interesting encounter and is set to take place at the American Express Stadium.

The Seagulls have shown some top-of-the-line performances domestically and will now be eager to come up with similar form in the European competition. They recently eased past the defending Premier League champions, Arsenal (3-0) and then went on to secure a 2-0 win against Sunderland.

To secure a spot in the Conference League, Brighton took down the Eliteserien side Tromso during the qualifiers. The Fabian Hürzeler-led side will be at home for their upcoming fixture, and they are going to be full of confidence. The Seagulls are on a positive run of form.

Kauno Zalgiris are now going to compete in their first UEFA Conference League game of the season, and it will not be an easy one for them. They have put in some top performances domestically and went on to win the A Lyga title.

Željko Sopić’s men are going to be the visiting side, and this will only make things a bit tougher for them. The Green-Whites should come up with a strong tactic if they want to outplay the Premier League club.

Kick-off:

• Location: Falmer, England
• Stadium: American Express Stadium
• Date: Friday, October 16
• Kick-off Time: 12:30 am IST (Thursday, Oct 15; 07:00 pm GMT/ 03:00 pm ET/ 12:00 pm PT)
• Referee: Mikkel Redder
• VAR: In use

Form:

Brighton: D-W-W-W-W

Kauno Zalgiris: W-W-W-L-W

Players to Watch

Pascal Gross (Brighton)

The 35-year-old has been performing really well for Brighton & Hove Albion this season. In the recent 2-0 win against Sunderland, he covered the most distance (12.8km) in the match and also came up with a crucial assist. Pascal Gross will be looking to come up with another top effort and will be a constant threat with the ball at his feet.

Fabien Ourega (Kauno Zalgiris)

Fabien Ourega will be looking to step up his game so that he can help his side secure a positive outcome in their opening game of the UEFA Conference League campaign. He can establish control of midfield and can prevail on the right wing. The 33-year-old will be keen to put in a top performance.

Match Facts

• Brighton haven’t suffered a defeat in their last five matches.
• Kauno Zalgiris have secured four wins in their last five attempts.
• This will be the first-ever outing between these clubs.

Betting Tips & Odds

• Brighton to win @1/25 BetGoodwin
• Charalampos Kostoulas to score @4/9 bet365
• Goals over 3.5 @2/5 BetFair

Injury and Team News

Evan Ferguson, Femi Azeez, Yankuba Minteh, Kaoru Mitoma, Stefanos Tzimas, Mats Wieffer and Zadok Yohnna are not going to be in action for Brighton. They are injured. Jack Hinshelwood might also sit out due to a lack of fitness.

FK Kauno Zalgiris have all their players fit and ready to be in action.

Head-to-Head

Matches played: 0

Brighton (wins): 0

Kauno Zalgiris (wins): 0

Draws: 0

Predicted Lineups

Brighton predicted XI (4-2-3-1)

Verbruggen (GK); Kadioglu, Vuskovic, Struijk, Boscagli; Gross, Andres; Gomez, Ayari, De Cuyper; Kostoulas

Kauno Zalgiris predicted XI (4-1-4-1)

Mikelionis (GK); Moutachy, Lekiatas, Hernandez, Edokpolor; Karashima; Ourega, Fiolic, Kalik, Ribeiro; Debeljuh

Match Prediction

Brighton & Hove Albion are on a positive run of form, and the home ground will give them an added advantage. FK Kauno Zalgiris will face a tough contest.

The Seagulls are likely to win and secure three points.

Prediction: Brighton 3-1 Kauno Zalgiris

Telecast Details

India: Sony Sports Network, SonyLIV

UK: TNT Sports

Lithuania: TV3

USA: Paramount+, DAZN, TUDN

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