Jablonec v Brighton preview: kick-off time, team news and form
Brighton head to the Czech Republic on Thursday 22nd October 2026 to face Jablonec at the Stadion Strelnice, with kick-off set for 5.45pm UK time, as the Conference League league phase continues.
The Seagulls go into the match flying high domestically, sitting 3rd in the Premier League, and have been in ruthless form across all competitions, winning their last four matches with a goal difference of plus four and no goals conceded so far in this Conference League campaign. Jablonec, by contrast, come into the game on the back of a defeat to Freiburg in their opening league phase fixture, though their overall recent record shows some encouraging results, including wins in qualifying earlier in the season.
There's plenty riding on this one for Brighton, who will want to build on their perfect start in Europe this term and keep their flawless defensive record intact against a Jablonec side that has shown it can be vulnerable at the back, having conceded three goals in their last outing.
Manager Fabian Hurzeler has been clear about the standards he expects from his squad in the Czech Republic, telling the club there can be no excuses or dropping of standards as Brighton look to avoid any shock result, as reported by The Argus (The Argus). SussexWorld also note that Michael Owen has backed Brighton to get the job done, stating "Yes they can" (SussexWorld).
On the team news front, Brighton have been managing some fitness concerns. SussexWorld report that Fabian Hurzeler gave an update on Mats Wieffer after his six-match absence through injury (SussexWorld), while a separate SussexWorld piece detailed six players out and three more described as doubts for the trip (SussexWorld). There was also a notable update on Yankuba Minteh ahead of the game, with SussexWorld reporting on the winger's involvement after a recent two-goal performance (SussexWorld). Elsewhere, BBC Sport reported that the Premier League's Key Match Incidents Panel backed the red card shown to Brighton defender Pascal Struijk against Sunderland, even though the suspension was later overturned on appeal (BBC Sport) - a reminder of the defensive options Hurzeler has had to juggle recently.
Ahead of the match, Brighton's official site featured Jiri Skalak giving the lowdown on Jablonec, offering some insight into the hosts from a player familiar with the opposition (BrightonAndHoveAlbion.com). Travelling support will be limited, with The Argus reporting that 1,003 Brighton fans are set to attend the away fixture in the old school away end (The Argus).
Sports Mole have also previewed the clash in detail, covering predictions, team news and possible lineups for Thursday's contest (Sports Mole), along with a separate guide on how to watch the game including TV and live stream details (Sports Mole).
Kick-off at the Stadion Strelnice is 5.45pm UK time on Thursday.
Written with the help of AI, using the match facts and the headlines from the publishers credited above. Each point links to the original report — tap the source name to read it in full.