Uefa Conference League: Brighton v Kauno Zalgiris at the Amex Stadium - Thursday, 7.45pm

Fabian Hurzeler has challenged Brighton fans to turn the Amex Stadium into a “dirty place” for opponents ahead of the club’s Conference League opener.

In-form Albion begin their European campaign at home to Lithuanian club Kauno Zalgiris on Thursday evening before hosting bitter rivals Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday.

“Two great home games in front of our supporters, we want to keep building our fortress at home,” head coach Hurzeler told a press conference.

A ‘dirty’ Amex Stadium

“We want to keep building this image where we are difficult to beat at home, where it’s a tough and also a little bit of a dirty place to go because of the environment we create together with our fans.

“I think we are heading in the right direction so hopefully our supporters will make an energetic atmosphere because it’s so crucial for our game.”

Brighton are playing in continental competition for the second time in the club’s history after reaching the last 16 of the Europa League under Roberto De Zerbi in 2024.

The Seagulls sit third in the Premier League this term, having registered 13 points from six games following Saturday’s 2-0 success away to Sunderland.

Nice means nothing

“With nice you win nothing, so you also have to have the mindset of, ‘we are difficult to beat’,” said Hurzeler.

“We want to be ruthless in personal duels, we want to create this energetic atmosphere where it makes it so hard to come to this place.”

Defender Pascal Struijk has been cleared to face Palace after a one-match ban for his red card at the Stadium of Light was overturned on appeal.

However, he will sit out against Kauno Zalgiris, who won the Lithuanian Cup on Sunday, as Brighton manage his workload following a previous fitness issue.

Hurzeler will rotate his team for the match, with midfielder Jack Hinshelwood in line to make his first appearance since scoring twice in the 4-0 win over Aston Villa on August 23.