Jablonec v Brighton: Conference League preview, lineups and injury news

FK Jablonec will host Brighton & Hove Albion at the Stadion Strelnice on October 22 in their second league phase fixture of the UEFA Conference League 2026-27, with both sides seeking momentum in the group stage.

Jablonec, a club competing in the Czech First League, opened their European campaign with a 2-3 loss to SC Freiburg and will be aiming for their first win under coach Luboš Kozel on home soil. Brighton arrive under Fabian Hürzeler after a 4-0 Conference League victory over Kauno Zalgiris and with recent strong form in domestic competition.

Antonín Růsek, the 27-year-old who scored for Jablonec in their last Europa League outing against SC Freiburg, is expected to lead the line as a lone striker once more. Kozel’s selection choices will centre on getting his forward line more returns following the narrow defeat in the opening match.

For Brighton, 19-year-old Charalampos Kostoulas has emerged as a notable attacking option after scoring and providing an assist in the Seagulls’ 5-0 Premier League win against Crystal Palace; he is listed among the key threats for the visitors. The Hürzeler-led side will rely on their attacking depth to test Jablonec’s defence.

Projected lineups published ahead of the game list Jablonec as: Hanus (GK); Cedidla, Tekijaski, Pavlovic, Sobol; Nebyla, Sedlacek; Kuol, Zorvan, Tchanturishvili; Rusek. Brighton’s named XI reads: Verbruggen (GK); Kadioglu, Vuskovic, Dunk, Boscagli; Gross, Andres; Gomez, Ayari, De Cuyper; Kostoulas.

Injury absences for the hosts include Lamin Jawo, Kevin-Prince Milla and Jan Suchan. Brighton will be without Evan Ferguson, Femi Azeez, Kaoru Mitoma, Stafenos Tzimas, Yankuba Minteh, Mats Wieffer and Zadok Yohanna due to injury, according to the pre-match information.

Pre-match commentary in the preview gives Brighton a slight edge based on current form and squad quality, with the assessment that the Seagulls are likely to emerge victorious in the away fixture.

The Stadion Strelnice will stage the match on October 22, and viewers in India can watch live on Sony Sports Network and SonyLIV; Czech coverage is listed on TV Nova, Sport 1 and Canal+. For more updates, follow Khel Now on their social channels and apps.