‘Not a normal game’ – Brighton boss De Zerbi understands the significance of upcoming Crystal Palace clash

Brighton & Hove Albion boss Roberto Di Zerbi says that playing Crystal Palace is not a normal game for his side.

The Seagulls travel to Selhurst Park this weekend six places and 10 points above the Eagles in the Premier League table.

Patrick Vieira’s side picked up two draws against Brighton last season, with a late Neal Maupay strike denying the Eagles all three points at home. 

At the Amex, another late Brighton strike – this time an own goal from Joachim Andersen – cancelled out a well-worked team goal that was finished off by Conor Gallagher.

This will be the first time De Zerbi will play Palace as Brighton’s boss.

The South Londoners have not won at home in the Premier League since the 1-0 win over Southampton in late October.

“We have to think step by step, and the next step is Crystal Palace,” said De Zerbi – who took over from Graham Potter in September – of his side’s charge towards the top five.

“We will see during the season.

“We would like to give [the fans] more satisfaction next Saturday because, for us, Crystal Palace is not a normal game.”