Brighton and Hove Albion take on Jablonec in an intriguing away fixture tomorrow evening, away from home, in the first European away game of the UEFA Conference League. 

We couldn't think of many Jablonec fans who would be as interesting as a former Brighton Czech winger, Jiri Skalak, who spoke to me about all things Albion, what he is up to these days, and, more importantly, a vital trip to the Czech Republic. 

First things first, it was important to know just what Skalak is up to these days...

"I'm enjoying time with my family after finishing my professional football career this summer; now, I only play in the fourth division in the city where we live. I also do commentary for the Premier League on TV and record podcasts."

It is great to hear that he is keeping his knowledge of the game involved in the game. We all need to see more Skalak content!

He expanded on his knowledge of the Czech top flight and how Jablonec could battle the Seagulls tomorrow night.

"Jablonec will play from a deep block, looking to capitalise on counterattacks or wait for set-piece opportunities. Brighton will definitely have a high percentage of ball possession."

Perhaps something to be wary of here, although Fabian Hürzeler has answered a lot of critics with his switching of game plans lately. Having a deeper squad in numbers is one thing, but introducing different player styles is another.

While Kaoru Mitoma and Yankuba Minteh could run around expansive full-backs, Maxim De Cuyper and Diego Gomez are more likely to cause problems in the box.

This could mean Hürzeler's side won't be as frustrated by low blocking sides, since there are a variety of ways to break it down. 

Skalak elaborated on the town and culture in Jablonec... 

"Jablonec is a smaller town, but top-league football has been played there for many years; it is a stable participant, though it doesn't attract many fans. For Jablonec, it’s a big success, and more people could show up, even though the stadium isn’t large."

While football may be at the top level that it is in England, it could still be a test for the Seagulls... but considering the current form of the Premier League side, it would certainly be a surprise to see anything other than a comfortable win on the road. 

Despite leaving back in 2019, Skalak has stayed in the know with Albion's rise to European competitions.  

"I’ve followed Brighton ever since I left, and I’ve been a fan for years. I often get invited to appear on TV for Brighton matches since I played there, so I watch every single game.

I’m really glad they’re doing so well this season; the club deserves it for their strategic, long-term approach... It’s no coincidence.

They have excellent scouting, and the players they’ve sold over the last few years and the fees they’ve received are incredible. I believe Brighton could even reach the Champions League, which would be another major milestone in their history."

It is always nice for fans to hear that former players have fond memories of the club, and even more so that they continue to keep an eye on Albion's results to this day. 

Possibly the best memory of Skalak in an Albion shirt will always be the rocket of a strike against QPR at the Amex, as his ~35-yard effort went down in Championship-era history in 2015/16.

With that said, we simply had to ask him about his memories of that moment and compare them to the fantastic Diego Gomez goal against Crystal Palace last weekend.

"[Diego] Gomez’s goal was beautiful, but it wasn’t a fluke; he had tried it in the previous match, and surely in training as well. I certainly remember my own goal against QPR; it was my first goal for Brighton, and it even won Goal of the Year. It was the best goal of my career, and I’m glad you remember it; it’s a wonderful memory."

"I believe Brighton can go far in the Conference League, but it will certainly be challenging... There are a lot of matches, so staying injury-free will be crucial; plus, it’s a great opportunity for players from across the entire squad."

Perhaps qualifying for the Conference League before instantly playing in the Europa League under Hürzeler will act as a blessing. It gives everyone the opportunity to understand the demands on the players and squad, and not least the young head coach.

As Skalak says, it will be key to keep the squad in the best possible condition. Opponents like Jablonec provide the chance to rotate somewhat. 

"They can definitely expect cold weather in Jablonec, but it’s a good thing the match is being played now rather than, say, a month from now; it might even be snowing by then.

It’s a small town, but I’m heading there tomorrow to meet up with some fans; I’ll show them a few pubs and good restaurants, and then I’ll join them in the away section for the match.

I expect a 3-0 win for Brighton!"

Skalak in the away end- how can you not love the man? The former Seagull needs no more introduction than that. 

Overall, a very fair assessment of the club and their interesting opponents tomorrow night.