Albion kickstart their comeback to Premier League football with a trip to Turf Moor, as the Seagulls take on Burnley this weekend. 

In an intriguing match-up, some fans have already likened this to being a 'must-win' game.

While that may not necessarily be mathematically true, it goes without saying that a win away at Burnley would be a huge boost of confidence for Fabian Hürzeler's side. Albion historically struggle going up to the Clarets, and with big games against the former boss's new club, Tottenham, and modern rivals Chelsea, Hürzeler faces a huge test ahead of a distant European run-in.

Only seven games ago, it seemed as though Albion were firmly out of the running for Europe. In fact, some fans were worried about the prospect of a potential relegation! Those times are behind them now, though, and Brighton have won four of their last five games to put them firmly back in the running. 

Casting minds back to a few weeks ago, Albion beat Liverpool at home last time out. In an impressive performance, some, including myself, alluded to it being the best under Hurzeler's reign. 

Things are not totally rosy and finished, though. Brighton are not without their frailties, and one top performance against a very poor Liverpool side cannot rewrite history. 

Burnley have struggled this season. Second bottom in the Premier League, and Scott Parker faces another almost certain relegation. The Clarets head into this weekend’s contest having won just one of their last 22 Premier League games (Drawing 7, losing 14).

Parker has reassured fans that they will not give up their fight for survival, despite the daunting 10-point gap from safety. Burnley sit 19th in the table, and a seriously strong performance will be required to attain any points from one of the most in-form sides in the Premier League at the moment. 

The Seagulls are looking to claim only their third successive top-flight away win for the first time since January 2023. They have won only four of their 15 Premier League matches on the road this season (D4 L7), but they are unbeaten in their last four visits to Burnley (winning two, drawing two).

Brighton are lucky with their team news, with no fresh injuries. Only Lewis Dunk will miss out with a suspension, as will the head coach with a touchline ban. A full starting 11 is likely.

As for Burnley, they will be without Josh Cullen, Zeki Amdouni, Hannibal Mejbri, Jordan Beyer, Connor Roberts and Mike Tresor due to injury, but Axel Tuanzebe could be fit to feature in some capacity this weekend. Josh Laurent is also suspended. 

From a Brighton fan's perspective, especially with the team news in mind, the expectation should be nothing other than a victory. As we all know, though, it is never that easy to follow this club!

My prediction: Burnley 0-2 Brighton.