The M23 Derby is one of Premier League matchday No 23’s headline fixtures, as Crystal Palace aim to take down high-flying Brighton at Selhurst Park. The M23 Derby got its roots in the 1976-77 English football season, as the two teams met multiple times during the campaign and ill feelings were created.
Brighton are sixth in the Premier League table and could qualify for Europe for the first time in their history. The Seagulls are one point ahead of seventh-place Brentford. Just four points currently separate Brighton from the Champions League places.
📊ℹ️#CPFC | #CRYBHA pic.twitter.com/dUc4dkOXwW— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) February 9, 2023
📊ℹ️#CPFC | #CRYBHA pic.twitter.com/dUc4dkOXwW
Crystal Palace continue to take one step forward and two steps back. Patrick Vieira’s team are 12th in the standings and just six points above the relegation zone.
Last season, Palace and Brighton drew both Premier League games, with the final score being 1-1 for both matches. Four of the last 10 games between these clubs finished as draws. Meanwhile, Palace won three and Brighton won three of the last 10 games between them.
Crystal Palace and Brighton have only played 10 times against each other in the Premier League era. It wasn’t until recently that Brighton reached the Premier League.
Saturday’s M23 Derby will be the first-ever meeting between Vieira and De Zerbi as managers. It will also be De Zerbi’s first time managing against Crystal Palace. The Premier League rivals have not played yet this season.
Vieira has faced Brighton on two previous occasions. Both matches took place in 2021-22 and both games ended as draws. Palace are fourth in the Premier League this season in most draws, with six from 21 games. Brighton have drawn four of 20 matches.
Brighton go into the game on Saturday in excellent form. They took 13 points from the last six games, which placed them second in the form table. Brighton outscored their last six opponents 15-8.
Crystal Palace took a mere five points from the last six games. The Eagles are winless in five straight matches and limp into the derby at Selhurst Park. Each of Palace’s last four home games ended without wins. Selhurst Park doesn’t seem to be as intimidating as in years previous.