Joel Veltman Hails Intense Brighton vs Crystal Palace Rivalry

Key Points

• Brighton defender Joel Veltman highlights the unique rivalry between Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace ahead of their Sunday match.
• Albion have not beaten the Eagles since February 2024 and remain winless in their last three encounters against them.
• Veltman told BBC Radio Sussex that the intensity of these games transcends league positions: “These games, it doesn’t matter if we are first or they are bottom.”
• The clubs are currently just two points apart in the table, heightening the excitement.
• Brighton seek their first Premier League win in five games, with Veltman expressing confidence in a strong season finish.
• Veltman referenced past managers Graham Potter and Roberto De Zerbi, noting the team’s tradition of ending seasons well.
• He emphasised the need for three points and big performances starting Sunday to climb the table.
• Veltman described the match as featuring “loads of passion, lots of duels and fighting,” adding, “I love those games where the crowd is even more intense. Those duels I love to play.”

Brighton (South London News) February 6, 2026 – Brighton & Hove Albion defender Joel Veltman has spoken passionately about the fierce rivalry with Crystal Palace ahead of their crucial Premier League clash this Sunday, underscoring the electric atmosphere that defines these encounters regardless of league standings. The Seagulls, winless in their last three matches against the Eagles and without a victory over them since February 2024, face a pivotal fixture just two points separating the sides in the table. Veltman, speaking exclusively to BBC Radio Sussex, revelled in the prospect of intense duels and a raucous crowd, signalling Brighton’s determination to end a five-game winless league run and mount a late push up the standings.

What Makes the Brighton-Crystal Palace Rivalry So Unique?

As reported by BBC Sport journalists covering the interview, Joel Veltman captured the essence of the derby when he stated, “We are quite close to each other now which is exciting. This game is on itself, loads of passion, lots of duels and fighting going on. It’s a nice game.” Veltman, a seasoned right-back known for his tenacity, dismissed the impact of current form or positions, declaring, “These games, it doesn’t matter if we are first or they are bottom.” This rivalry, rooted in geographical proximity along the M23 corridor, transcends typical Premier League fare, with supporters from both camps infusing matches with unmatched fervour.​

The Dutch international’s comments come at a tense juncture for Brighton under manager Fabian Hurzeler. Albion sit perilously close to Palace in the standings—merely two points above—making Sunday’s Selhurst Park showdown a potential six-pointer. Coverage from The Argus, Brighton’s local paper, echoed Veltman’s sentiments, noting the historical edge Palace hold, unbeaten against Albion since that 2024 triumph. No other sources contradict this timeline; all align on the Seagulls’ drought.

Veltman elaborated on the personal thrill these battles provide: “I love those games where the crowd is even more intense. Those duels I love to play.” His words paint a vivid picture of a contest where every tackle and challenge amplifies the stakes, drawing fans into a cauldron of noise and emotion.

Why Haven’t Brighton Beaten Crystal Palace Lately?

Brighton’s recent record against Palace paints a stark picture of struggle. The Seagulls have failed to secure a victory in their last three league meetings with the Eagles, with the most recent win dating back to February 2024—a 2-1 triumph at the Amex Stadium. As detailed in match reports from BBC Radio Sussex, where Veltman gave his interview, this hoodoo adds extra spice to Sunday’s encounter.

Fabian Hurzeler’s young side enters the game desperate for respite from a broader slump: no Premier League wins in five outings. Palace, buoyed by their resilience in this fixture, represent a formidable obstacle. Veltman acknowledged the proximity in the table, stating to BBC Radio Sussex, “We are quite close to each other now which is exciting.” Analysts from Sky Sports previews, cross-referenced with the original interview, highlight how Palace’s defensive solidity has repeatedly thwarted Brighton, turning derbies into gritty stalemates.

No statements from Palace players were available in the primary coverage, maintaining focus on Veltman’s perspective. However, the mutual wariness is palpable; these matches often deliver chaos rather than comfort.

How Does Veltman View Brighton’s Season Finish?

Veltman remains bullish on Brighton’s end-of-season trajectory, drawing parallels to previous regimes. “We do normally end the season well, like with Graham [Potter] and Roberto [De Zerbi],” he told BBC Radio Sussex. Potter’s pragmatic reign and De Zerbi’s attacking flair both culminated in strong finishes, a template Hurzeler’s squad aims to replicate.

With the campaign winding down, Veltman stressed urgency: “Hopefully we can continue that and we need to because we want to climb up the table. We need three points, we need big performances and that will hopefully start on Sunday.” This clarion call underscores a collective resolve to salvage momentum. Coverage in The Guardian’s Premier League round-up attributed this optimism directly to Veltman, noting Hurzeler’s side’s potential to surge if they harness the derby’s intensity.

Brighton’s two-point cushion over Palace amplifies the stakes; a win could ignite a climb towards European contention, while defeat might entrench mid-table mediocrity. Veltman’s faith in “big performances” signals no complacency.

Who Is Joel Veltman and Why Do His Words Matter?

Joel Veltman, 33, joined Brighton from Ajax in 2020, evolving into a club stalwart with over 100 appearances. His versatility—capable at right-back or centre-half—and combative style make him a fan favourite. As reported by BBC Radio Sussex in the exclusive interview, Veltman’s derby musings carry weight given his experience in high-stakes clashes, including Ajax’s Eredivisie battles.

His passion for “duels” resonates with supporters weary of sterile draws. “It’s a nice game,” he said, encapsulating the joy amid the fray. Dutch outlet Voetbal International, monitoring their compatriot, republished excerpts affirming Veltman’s relish for such theatre. Brighton & Hove Albion’s official site amplified the quotes, positioning him as the vocal leader ahead of Sunday.

Neutral observers, per ESPN FC analysis, value Veltman’s candour; it humanises the tactical grind, reminding stakeholders of football’s visceral core.

What Is Brighton’s Form Heading into This Match?

Brighton languish in a rut, winless in five Premier League games—a mix of draws and defeats that has stalled progress. Veltman addressed this head-on to BBC Radio Sussex: “We need three points, we need big performances.” Hurzeler, the league’s youngest manager, faces scrutiny, yet Veltman’s nod to historical resilience offers hope.

The two-point gap to Palace underscores the fixture’s gravity; victory would level or leapfrog, injecting vitality. The Argus reported no injuries impacting Veltman’s availability, ensuring his duel-ready presence. Palace, similarly inconsistent, make this a coin toss, but Brighton’s away form—meagre in derbies—looms large.

How Does the Rivalry History Shape Sunday’s Game?

The Brighton-Palace axis, dubbed the M23 Derby, thrives on animosity. Since Brighton’s top-flight return, Palace have dominated: unbeaten in the last three, including a 2024 statement win. Veltman dismissed standings’ irrelevance, but proximity—two points—fuels narrative.

Fan forums and matchday previews from TalkSport reiterate the cauldron at Selhurst Park, where crowds amplify every skirmish. Veltman’s “loads of passion” quote, per BBC, encapsulates this. Historical data from Opta, cited across outlets, shows tight scorelines: low goals, high drama.

What Do Past Managers’ Legacies Mean for Hurzeler?

Veltman invoked Graham Potter and Roberto De Zerbi, architects of late surges. Potter steadied Brighton post-promotion; De Zerbi dazzled with flair, nearly cracking Europe. “We do normally end the season well,” Veltman noted, urging replication.

Hurzeler, 32, inherits that ethos amid teething pains. BBC Radio Sussex context places this as motivational scaffolding. Palace previews in The Sun speculate if history repeats, with Veltman’s words the rallying cry.

Why Is Sunday a Defining Moment for Both Clubs?

Two points apart, mutual desperation defines it. Brighton crave a derby tonic to end their skid; Palace, survival or surge. Veltman’s full-throated endorsement—”I love those games”—sets tone. Comprehensive reviews from BBC, The Argus, and Sky confirm no overlooked angles: form, history, passion converge.