Pundits Wayne Rooney and Micah Richards join host Mark Chapman to bring you the action and talking points from Saturday's Premier League fixtures.
And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:
Matthew Howarth
BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty ImagesOnly Burnley and Wolves had picked up fewer points than Brighton in their last 13 league games prior to this weekend, with the Seagulls' only league win in that period coming against the Clarets on 3 January.
However, for a team that has appeared increasingly goal-shy in recent weeks, Fabian Hurzeler's side did not appear to be lacking confidence in the final third against Brentford – far from it.
With the game still goalless, Jack Hinshelwood had a venomous shot unconvincingly parried wide by goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, who then did well to deny Kaoru Mitoma in a one-v-one as Brighton dominated the early stages.
Ferdi Kadioglu almost broke the deadlock with a magnificent long-range strike but it was Diego Gomez who ended up opening the scoring from the rebound, showing great composure to steer the ball into the bottom corner.
The visitors' second goal – which came after Nathan Collins attempted to clear Hinshelwood's cross towards Danny Welbeck with an elaborate flick – may have been a gift, but the 2-0 half-time scoreline was an accurate reflection of the visitors' superiority.
Hurzeler's team had less of the ball after the restart but were rarely troubled by an uncharacteristically toothless Brentford, whose only effort on target after half-time came from Mikkel Damsgaard's attempted lob in the 87th minute.
On a memorable afternoon for Brighton, 40-year-old midfielder James Milner made his 654th Premier League outing in west London to break Gareth Barry's long-standing top-flight appearance record.
Milner's afternoon was ended by an apparent injury near the end of the game, but the former England international received a rapturous ovation from the away supporters as he made his way off the pitch.
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler, speaking to Sky Sports: "It is a better feeling. I'm proud of the team, very happy for the supporters. They waited for the win so I am happy for them. In the second half we had to defend a lot but overall we deserved this win."
On what changed today: "We scored goals and were there in the right moments. The key detail was we scored and defended the key moments in the right way."
On if it was hard to stay positive: "They always had positivity, they always stick together. Just have to put these kind of energy on the pitch. I always know what we are capable of. It was not a big issue for me, I am a positive guy and try to give positivity to the group."
On why he started James Milner: "He was the leader, he communicated, he has a good understanding of the game, he knows his game, he is reliable. He waited long for this moment and we are happy for him. Not only experience but also quality. He was one of the best in training and I keep saying if you train well and keep pushing you will get the chance.
"He always puts the team first, always puts the club first. He is not only a role model on the pitch but beside the pitch. On the pitch he gives everything, I can never remember a day he didn't give 100% effort. He is a role model."
Brighton midfielder James Milner on reaching 564 Premier League appearances: "It's the drive and hunger, you want to be the best every day whether it's game or training. I'm surrounded by a lot of young lads, I want to contribute to their careers, push them and help them get to the highest level as quick as possible.
"That's what I'm here to do. I feel like I can still contribute minutes. I've been a bit frustrated this year, maybe not getting the minutes, but it's a fine balance because of course we have to develop players as well and we want to win.
"Hopefully I've proved the last few games that I can still contribute on the pitch. I'm delighted to be part of it and the dressing room, it's full of incredible characters and very good players, and a good up and coming manager."
How much longer will you continue playing?
"Who knows, things change quickly in football. When you get older things can change quickly. With the injury I had last season I couldn't lift my foot for six months. I'll keep pushing, let's see where that takes us."
Did you know?
James Milner has faced 43 different sides in the Premier League remaining unbeaten against seven teams, with one of those being Brentford, ending on the winning side in all four of his appearances against the Bees.
You can listen to James Milner and Pascal Gross speaking after the game on BBC Sounds
Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.
Have your say on Brentford's performance
What did you make of Brighton's display?
Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies
Image source, PA MediaBrighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has been speaking to BBC Match of the Day before kick-off at Brentford about his decision to start top-flight appearances record-breaker James Milner: "James Milner showed a really good performance against [Aston] Villa when he came on the pitch. He has a lot of experience. He is a role model for everyone on the pitch. He can communicate with everyone on the pitch and I think it's very important for today."
On Milner breaking the record for most appearances in the league today: "I think it's difficult to sum him up with one word or a sentence. He's a role model on the pitch and beside the pitch.
"There's no surprise why he's there where he is at the moment because he has such a great discipline. He has such a great effort every day and he is never satisfied. He keeps going and it's a great opportunity for him.
"It's a great day for him to show us again why he is the record-holder regarding the Premier League games. Therefore, we are all looking forward to seeing him playing today."
Image source, BBC SportBrentford manager Keith Andrews makes two changes to the Bees side that started the 1-1 Premier League draw with Arsenal nine days ago.
Aaron Hickey and Jordan Henderson come into the side. Yehor Yarmoliuk drops to the bench, while Michael Kayode misses out altogether.
Brentford XI: Kelleher, Hickey, Ajer, Van den Berg, Henry, Henderson, Yanelt, Ouattara, Jensen, Lewis-Potter, Thiago
Subs: Valdimarson, Pinnock, Schade, Nelson, Yarmoliuk, Collins, Damsgaard, Donovan, Furo
James Milner makes his 654th Premier League appearance as Brighton make two alterations to the team that started the 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa in their last league game.
Milner is joined in the starting XI by Mats Wieffer, with Carlos Baleba and Joel Veltman named on the bench.
Brighton XI: Verbruggen, Wieffer, Van Hecke, Dunk, Kadioglu, Gross, Milner, Hinshelwood, Gomez, Welbeck, Mitoma
Subs: Steele, Rutter, Minteh, Baleba, Kastoulas, Boscagli, De Buyper, Veltman, Howell
Image source, BBC Sport
There are five games in the Premier League on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.
Aston Villa v Leeds - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra
Brentford v Brighton
Chelsea v Burnley - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2
West Ham v Bournemouth (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live
Manchester City v Newcastle (20:00)
Kick-off times 15:00 GMT unless stated
Follow all of the action and reaction here
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to Aston Villa v Leeds" or "ask BBC Sounds to play West Ham v Bournemouth", for instance.
Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds
Noel Sliney
BBC Sport senior journalist
In-form Brentford continue their unexpected push for European qualification on Saturday (15:00 GMT) when they host a Brighton side sliding down the league table.
Current Premier League pacesetters
Two points off the top six and into the FA Cup fifth round for only the second time in 20 seasons, Brentford are making a mockery of last summer's widespread predictions of struggle.
A deserved draw against league leaders Arsenal in their most recent top-flight fixture means Brentford have earned 20 points from their past 10 matches – the most of any side, with the Gunners and both Manchester clubs a point behind.
In doing so, Brentford have doubled their tally for the season to 40 points. That's just one adrift of their highest figure after 26 Premier League games, set in 2022-23 when they ended the campaign with a club record of 59 points.
This season's form has been underpinned by having the division's sixth-best home record. In fact, last April's 4-2 victory over Brighton started a run of 31 points from their past 16 league matches at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Goal-shy Albion
In contrast to Saturday's hosts, Brighton are out of the FA Cup and horribly out of form. Their only win in 13 Premier League games since December came against Burnley, with no side managing fewer victories during that period.
Last weekend's FA Cup exit against Liverpool was a third straight defeat without scoring. Brighton failed to take their chances during that tie, with Diego Gomez and Lewis Dunk both spurning good opportunities to equalise at Anfield.
Albion are too often struggling to mount an attacking threat. In Premier League games this season, they are averaging 13 shots, four shots on target and 27 touches in the opposition penalty area – all their lowest averages since 2021-22.
Milner time?
On a more welcome note, 40-year-old James Milner could make an outright record 654th Premier League appearance, surpassing Gareth Barry's mark. Milner's top-flight debut in November 2002 came a day after Brentford lost away to Crewe in the third tier.
If he plays, Milner might finally face the only person with at least 100 Premier League appearances during the past 24 seasons who he has never played with or against – Brentford defender Nathan Collins.
I covered Brentford in the FA Cup tie at Macclesfield on Monday and they were completely underwhelming.
I know they were on a plastic pitch but they couldn't really find their flow and needed an own goal to progress.
Still, the Bees have been in much better form in the Premier League - in stark contrast to Brighton.
Fabian Hurzeler's side have won only one of their past 13 league games in a poor run going back to the start of December, and it is not impossible they could get dragged into the relegation scrap.
I can see this one being close but Brentford will have Kevin Schade back from suspension, while Igor Thiago will also return after being rested against Macclesfield - and those two should make the difference.
Sutton's prediction: 1-0
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Brentford at Gtech Community Stadium (15:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Solly March could be in the matchday squad for the first time since April 2025 after participating in full team training this week and "making a good impression".
Yasin Ayari will not be available for the trip to Brentford, but will return to training next week after a shoulder problem and "should be available for the next game".
More on March: "He's been out a long time, it's about small steps for him. It's very important to be patient and for him to feel his body and adapt to the intensity. Before his injury he was one of the best players in the Premier League and the goal is to get him back to that level."
On the Seagulls' tough recent run: "We have to see the table as it is, that's the reality. We are in the middle of the table. The most important is to look at the next game and what we can influence and control. If we can get on a positive run things can change really quickly in the table, this season is really tight. I'm a positive person and always thinking positive and I'm not afraid of anything."
Hurzeler was asked about reports this week he is being backed by the club's hierarchy: "I really feel the support, the belief, and the togetherness. The club has gone through much worse times than where we are at the moment and they know how to deal with these situations The results aren't great but we focus on the process, the things we can influence, and being a great unit together. We all have to believe we can get out of this situation even stronger and that is what the board have shown."
On only naming an unchanged team once in the league this season: "At the moment we try to find the team that is the most stable, reliable and resilient in this situation. These are attitudes that are very important at the moment for our team."
On the challenge posed by the Bees: "I think they have played a great season. They look very stable, are great in transition, and have an outstanding striker in Igor [Thiago]. They are very good in set-pieces very intense in pressing and are very man orientated. Definitely impressed with what Keith has done. He has shown his capabilities and shown their progress week for week. He is doing a brilliant job."
Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news
Also hear from midfielder Pascal Gross by pressing play below or listening on BBC Sounds here
Got a question about Brighton? Get in touch here
Former Brighton striker Warren Aspinall insists that "attitude problems" are more to blame for the Seagulls' current form than Fabian Hurzeler.
Defeat by Liverpool in the FA Cup extended Brighton's winless run to six games in all competitions.
If Hurzeler's side, who sit seven points above the relegation zone, want to secure Premier League survival, then Aspinall thinks that some of his players should shift their mentality and work harder.
"Some people have got attitude problems," he told BBC Radio Sussex's podcast Albion Unlimited.
"They think it's just easier to put their hand up and say 'yes, sorry, I've done it again.' It's like a lollipop lady, a lollipop man, crossing the road. It goes up three or four times a game, certain players.
"I won't dig him out because it's his second game, but Harry Howell reacted when the ball went past him and he just dangles his leg for the first goal for Liverpool on Sunday. You have to react quicker, you have to go with your runner.
"They'll punish you. They're running all the time, the opposition - especially the top teams. They never stop running. We need to run more than the opposition. We're not doing that at the moment.
"If they're running 90km, their team - my team, I want them to run 100km. So then we've got an extra man somewhere running, that'll create more problems for the opposition. I'm not seeing that at the moment."
Amid a raft of Premier League manager dismissals, Fabian Hurzeler has come under heat for Brighton's form, the Seagulls having won one Premier League game since November.
But Aspinall says that it is Hurzeler's players who should take responsibility for turning things around.
"People say, 'the manager this, the manager that'. No no - it's not the manager's fault, this, it's the players'," Aspinall said.
"He can take them out, change the formation, change the personnel, try to make it better because some players have the wrong attitude in training, so he's not going to pick them on Saturday, showing him shocking training all week.
"I can hold my hand up because I've been there - bad attitude, concentrating on other things. You don't expect to play.
"He can't make them run another five yards or react quicker. You keep doing that, you come out of the team. You can't carry players. If you start switching off at the wrong times, the good teams will punish you.
"That's what they did on Saturday. It was easy. Liverpool didn't work hard for their first goal."
Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.
Explore all Brighton content on BBC Sounds
Listen to every Brighton game live on BBC Radio Sussex, with all the build-up and full commentary with Johnny Cantor and Warren Aspinall, and there is a full preview of all Seagulls' matches on Fridays at 18:00 in The Weekend Warm-up
Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter
Image source, Getty ImagesThere is a feeling of panic coursing through the Premier League right now. Thomas Frank's departure from Spurs was obviously going to happen even if Nottingham Forest dumping Sean Dyche was a less clear call. Poor performances did it for both these bosses but it certainly doesn't help when the fans as a group have given up and let the owners know that they are next in the firing line if they don't act.
There is always the thought that this is simply rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic, particularly for Forest but now and again it works. It is a throw of the dice even if the dice is loaded.
The odds were very much against Nuno Espirito Santo when he took over from Graham Potter at West Ham, but now it seems to have had merit given the recent upturn in form built on some basic organisation. So it can work, but it is little more than a punt.
So, who is the Premier League manager currently in most danger? Amazingly Oliver Glasner is still in situ at Crystal Palace after his previous outbursts, but that could change with a couple more bad results.
The big money seems to be on Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler right now, but the style seems set. If you hover too close to the relegation spots, the board panics and the coach is discarded. It is a tough life, except for the small matter of millions of pounds into the manager's back pocket as he walks away, which does limit the sympathy just a little.
Sign up to read more from Pat Nevin in his Football Extra newsletter
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your views on where you stand on Fabian Hurzeler's future at Brighton.
Here are some of your comments:
Chris: I am very strongly pro-Hurzeler. In fact, I believe he is the best manager we have ever had and I go back to Archie Macaulay. Some of the criticism is completely nuts. He is energetic, inventive, passionate, highly intelligent and articulate. I am very proud of his work and dedication. Like many of the players, he is very young (which is a plus) and we are in a highly competitive and highly invested league. Let's be realistic and get behind him and the players. He has my full support and gratitude for what he has achieved. Rome wasn't built in a day.
Frank: The manager has some very, very smart people around him. Younger people do make more mistakes on and off the pitch. Trust the process...
Tony: At the moment, the form is poor, the recruitment has failed, morale is low and the manager is struggling. It's hard to see where the next win, or even the next goal, is coming from, and there were worrying signs after the Crystal Palace game that the manager might have lost the dressing room. Performance levels have since lifted, but that hasn't resulted in a change of fortunes. Let's hope for a few wins soon, then a serious reappraisal of things in the summer.
Jake: There has always been resistance to Hurzeler among some fans, even considering a good season in his first year. What's concerning at present is a prolonged downturn in performances across pretty much the whole team, and a manager whose staple line of defence is to trust the process and just believe things will work out. Overall, I think translating the upcycling model of player recruitment to the manager - insofar as Hurzeler was comparatively unproven against Graham Potter or Roberto de Zerbi when respectively appointed - was perhaps a mistake.
Ian: The issue with Brighton isn't just a coach inexperienced in the Premier League. The main issue is how the club handles recruitment. Selling decent players or loaning them out to such an extent that we have no quality to even be a top 10 contender will not work. We need to retain some of those players and build a strong European football contending team.
On the latest episode of BBC Radio Sussex's Albion Unlimited, Brighton defender Jan-Paul van Hecke reviews the FA Cup defeat at Liverpool and former captain Adam Virgo looks at the lack of goals and recent results, and previews the trip to Brentford.
Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.
Albion Unlimited: Where have all the goals gone?
Explore all Brighton content on BBC Sounds
Listen to every Brighton game live on BBC Radio Sussex, with all the build-up and full commentary with Johnny Cantor and Warren Aspinall, and there is a full preview of all Seagulls' matches on Fridays at 18:00 in The Weekend Warm-up
Joe Sayers
Fan writer
Togetherness is something our football club has always championed, a value I truly believed ran through the heart of our fanbase.
Right now, though, things on the pitch are far from what we've come to expect in recent seasons, and frustration is growing by the day.
Last Wednesday, after our defeat by Aston Villa, I was asked live on BBC Radio Sussex whether I was among the fans who booed or chanted "sacked in the morning" at the end of the Crystal Palace game. The question stopped me in my tracks and made me think hard about where I really stood.
In that moment, I realised I was neither "Fabian in" nor "Fabian out". I was simply a Brighton fan who wants the best for the club I've loved for years. Managers change and players move on, but the one constant is us, the supporters who turn up, home and away, whatever the weather and whatever the form.
Frustration is understandable. We've been spoilt by brilliant football, smart recruitment and seasons that felt like dreams.
When standards dip, emotions will rightly follow. But turning on our own has never been what we're about. This club was built on patience and belief, and that approach has carried us further than any of us imagined.
There's still so much to play for. Nothing is decided in February and our team needs backing, not battle lines in the stands or on social media.
Our role is a simple one: to support Brighton & Hove Albion, especially when it's uncomfortable and uncertain.
So, I'll be there for the rest of the season and beyond, scarf held high, hoping the Amex can find its voice again.
Where do you stand on Hurzeler's future? And if you think it's time for a change, what direction do you think Albion should go in?
Get in touch with your views here
Find more from Joe Sayers at Albion Obsessed, external
Brighton have made Said El Mala, 19, a summer target and submitted a written offer to Cologne for the Germany Under-21 winger. (Sky Germany), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column
We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's FA Cup fourth round game between Liverpool and Brighton.
Here are some of your comments:
Liverpool fans
Stuart: A great performance from the two Hungarians. The best game Kerkez has had in a Red shirt. Both him and Szoboszlai were very energetic. Jones performed with versatility. The combined passing and finish for the second goal was incredible. A little bit of the old Salah returned and he deserved the penalty that he rifled home. Finally some of the youngsters could get on the pitch. The only disappointment was Rio's wonderfully struck, disallowed goal!?
Rae: Everything right, and wrong, with Liverpool this season can be seen in this match. Some great goals, individual brilliance, Salah, Szoboszlai. And also some suspect defending, inconsistency. Nonetheless a great win and hopefully more to come.
John: So much has improved recently. Defending has Improved immensely, the midfield and forward play has been more dynamic. Salah has settled down after the African Cup of Nations, so onwards and upwards.
Struan: Important win against Brighton. Kerkez is at last becoming the player we thought we bought. Salah is beginning to return to form. Curtis showed he deserves more game time with his goal and all around performance. Szoboszlai was outstanding again with some superb long passes and a wonderful goal. And another clean sheet, which until recently seemed impossible for Liverpool. Lots of positives. Important we take the FA Cup seriously and give it our best shot.
Brighton fans
Keven: It felt like Hurzeler failed to understand the importance and passion of the FA Cup in this country and to the fans. You are playing one of the top sides, yet you start with no forward pace, no wingers to spread the game, leaving Mitoma, Minteh and Welbeck freezing on the bench, hoping to do a hit-and-run at the death. Kadioglu was once again the best player on the pitch for us, but how long will he continue to give 110% when others around him lack passion and fire in their bellies? I think the club now has to make some hard decisions however painful that may be.
Mark: Please Tony Bloom, end the agony of Hurzeler-ball, I just can't stand any more!
Barry: Brighton once again began brightly, moved the ball well and created opportunities - but the familiar problem remains - we don't take chances and Liverpool did. For a side that looked destined for the top eight not so long ago, the slide is worrying. Confidence appears fragile and the pattern is becoming predictable. Questions will inevitably be asked of Fabian Hurzeler. Chairman Tony Bloom now faces a significant decision about the direction of the club.
Brian: Confidence is installed through the manager. Unfortunately, this isn't happening and most players have lost belief in themselves. Against Liverpool, why start with such an inexperienced front line? Again selection is also a major concern.
Aadam Patel
Football reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesFabian Hurzeler's side have had a torrid time in the past few months, with just one victory in 13 league games.
But they did win at Old Trafford in the FA Cup and initially asked questions of Liverpool early on as they kept the ball and quietened Anfield.
But once the Reds found their rhythm, the lack of confidence in this Brighton side was ruthlessly exposed.
Had they taken their chances and equalised shortly after Jones opened the scoring, this game could have had a different outlook - but Liverpool were clinical while Brighton were not.
After their midweek defeat at Aston Villa, Brighton trained at St George's Park during the week rather than head back to the south coast.
But right now, nothing seems to be working for the Seagulls and these are certainly worrying times for Hurzeler.
"It is very important to see the reality of where we are but also the performances - the last two against tough opponents, we were more than competitive," he said.
"The game could go in another direction. We did a lot of things right but we have to keep working hard. We are not in a good moment. You only come out if you work hard."
His side travel to Brentford on Saturday and the pressure will only grow if they cannot get a result there.
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler, speaking to BBC Sport: " We started the game well, controlled the ball and the game changed a little bit when they scored. The goal came out of nowhere. We had two big chances in the first half and we didn't use them. Liverpool were more effective.
"Second half it was the same picture we had a big chance with Lewis and then a two or three minutes after they scored. That was the diffrence, they used their moments and we didn't in the way they did. In the end it is a disappointing result because our fans were great today, they supported us for 90 minutes and they deserved more.
"We can't feel sorry for ourselves, we can't complain about these moments. It is about us and me taking responsibilty and working for it. You have to do the small step right and then we can take a big step.
On the Liverpool penalty: "It is a bad decision. It is just not good enough. It is difficult to speak to them [the officials]."
You can also listen to Hurzeler here on BBC Sounds
Did you know?
Brighton have won just two of their last 15 games in all competitions (drawn six, lost seven), losing three on the bounce without scoring for the first time since March 2024.
Also hear what Jan-Paul van Hecke had to say after the game about Brighton "lacking quality" below or on BBC Sounds here
Pundits Ellen White and Shay Given join host Alex Scott to bring you the action and talking points from Friday and Saturday's FA Cup ties.
And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:
