Albion’s start to the season has been absolutely magnificent. A string of tough games to begin the campaign was no problem for Fabian Hurzeler’s men. Brighton’s fearless and dominating approach to games has contributed to their electric start, and if continued, the sky is the limit for the high-flying seagulls.

Albion’s summer window showed ambition to take the club to the next level. After losing key players such as Jan Paul van Hecke and Carlos Baleba, Brighton made the signings of wonderkids Luka Vuskovic and Chema Andres. It’s clear to see why people think Brighton have strengthened over this window. Furthermore, the added depth also shows the club’s desire to do well in all competitions. The arrivals of Pascal Struijk, Michael Svoboda, Jaouen Hadjam and Costinha will help the defence, alongside Promise David, Femi Azeez and Zadok Yohanna bolstering the attack.

Adding these players to an already talented group seems like the remaining puzzle pieces falling into place for Fabian Hurzeler. His last two seasons of building a foundation for a deep run in a cup competition and a potential top five place in the league feels more realistic than it ever has been, allowing Albion fans to dare to dream of cup finals.

Brighton’s current form and successful transfer business fills me with a lot of hope for the rest of the season. A top five finish in the league may sound farfetched, however it’s a goal The Albion are capable of achieving. Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea will inevitably rise to lock out the top three positions, but Manchester United, City and Tottenham have serious problems of their own. United’s poor start to the season sees a story repeating itself, where false hope in a club legend leads to a season of disappointment and frustration. City will potentially face huge fines and points deductions due to their recent controversy. Tottenham, for the third season running, are in a relegation fight. This leaves two attainable Champions League spots, where a traditionally smaller club could taste the riches of the premier European competition. There is no reason why Brighton couldn’t be that club.

The Seagulls currently find themselves third in the Premier League table, looking ahead to some massive challenges in the coming weeks. With the Conference League campaign kicking in soon, Brighton are expected to play every three or four days. For example, Brighton face Jablonec, Liverpool, Manchester City (twice) and Getafe in the span of 14 days.

Injuries will undoubtably kick in – however every team will experience the same fate. Furthermore, Brighton have many injured players coming back in late October and early November to help the cause. Whilst the momentum may slow down, it is important for fans to continue the belief of potentially qualifying for Europe again – and perhaps winning a trophy.

On the topic of trophies – Brighton currently have none. The closest Albion have come was in 1983, losing the FA Cup final to Manchester United. Though, I feel it’s time for fans to start asking themselves again – can we go all the way?

“The magic of the cup” is clearly alive and well, shown by Brighton’s epic comeback against United in September. An away draw to a distracted Manchester City will be an unpredictable affair, but a win would take the Seagulls soaring into the last eight of the Carabao Cup. Brighton also take part in the UEFA Conference league this season which could be the easiest path to a final. Ajax and Monaco look like Brighton’s biggest rivals to the Conference League crown; however, it is difficult not to feel optimistic about Albion’s chances.

It is important to realise how lucky we are to be considering European glory and top-flight success. This is the best Brighton team I have ever seen, and certainly the most optimistic I have felt since I started watching The Albion as a six-year-old. This squad has the potential to achieve so much this season. They’ve got desire, belief, quality and will not stop until the final whistle has blown. So, ask yourself – is this our year?