Brighton Faces Jablonec in UEFA Conference League Match in Czechia

Brighton & Hove Albion will face FK Jablonec away in Czechia on Thursday, October 22, 2026, during the second matchday of the UEFA Conference League league phase. The fixture is scheduled to kick off at 16:45 UK time at Stadion Strelnice in Jablonec nad Nisou.

The English club enters the European contest in formidable form, riding a six-game winning streak across all competitions in which they have scored an impressive 22 goals. In their European opener, Brighton delivered a commanding 4-0 victory over Kauno Zalgiris at the Amex Stadium, a match featuring forward Georginio Rutter, who has contributed two goals and one assist in the competition so far.

FK Jablonec approaches the fixture seeking a bounce-back performance after suffering consecutive defeats. Lubos Kozel’s squad fell 3-2 to Freiburg in their Conference League opener and recently endured a 3-2 home loss against Viktoria Plzen in domestic play. Despite their recent domestic inconsistencies, Jablonec holds an unbeaten streak of seven European home matches, winning all three of their qualifying fixtures without conceding a goal.

This encounter marks the first competitive meeting between the two clubs. While Brighton enters as clear favorites due to their prolific attack and strong defensive record in Europe—having kept clean sheets in all three of their UEFA Conference League matches—Jablonec's historical resilience at home in European competition presents a unique challenge.

Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and a proper mindset against European opponents. Addressing the media ahead of the match, Hurzeler noted that facing a Premier League side often brings out the absolute best in their opponents. "For a lot of opponents, playing us might be the game of their lives," Hurzeler said. "Our mindset has to be right. If you think 90% is enough, you have no chance. The mindset must be that this is another great opportunity to show our principles, style of play and standards."

Both teams will navigate notable squad limitations for Thursday's clash. Brighton will travel without several sidelined players, including Evan Ferguson, Stefanos Tzimas, Kaoru Mitoma, Femi Azeez, Zadok Yohanna, Pascal Struijk, Mats Wieffer, and Yankuba Minteh. Meanwhile, Jablonec remains without long-term absentees Kevin-Prince Milla and Krystof Karban, while Lamin Jawo is listed as doubtful.