Can Brighton & Hove Albion's Squad Overcome the Challenge of Tromso?
Brighton & Hove Albion must be careful that the chill of winter does not arrive much earlier than normal for them this season in the Conference League. They face Norwegian side Tromso, based inside the Arctic Circle, in the play-off round of the competition over two legs later this month. Tromso has a substantial first-leg cushion, which has at least provided Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler and his staff with a bit more time to prepare for the tests that await them.
Why it Matters for Brighton & Hove Albion
The squad building this summer is based on the assumption of requiring a bigger group of players to cope with the extra strain of playing in Europe and the accompanying need for Hurzeler to have scope to rotate his line-ups for Thursday ties in the Conference League. This will happen on six occasions from October through to December, but only if the tie against Tromso is safely negotiated to set up three home matches and three away in the league phase.
What Comes Next?
Brighton have made strong starts in each of Hurzeler's campaigns to date, with 15 and 12 points in 2024 and 2025 respectively in the first eight league games, coupled with progress through the early rounds of the Carabao Cup. However, an immediate exit from Europe could have damaging repercussions for the rest of the season. The squad will need to be prepared to face the challenges of playing in Europe, including the quick turnaround for Sunday matches in the Premier League.
The Challenge Ahead
Tromso, the northernmost football club in the world to win a major national trophy, having lifted the Norwegian Cup in 1986 and 1996, are tricky opponents. They have a fitness and match-sharpness advantage, having started their top-flight season in April. They finished third last season to qualify and currently lie third in the table of 16 teams after 16 games, seven points adrift of leaders Bodo/Glimt with a game in hand.
League Standing and Recent Form
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 8th in Premier League, 53 pts, 14W-11D-13L from 38 games, recent form LLWLW. Goals this season: 52 scored, 46 conceded (+6 goal difference). Title race: 32 points behind leaders Arsenal. Currently sidelined: Evan Ferguson, Carlos Baleba, Matt O'Riley, Yankuba Minteh.
The Squad's Preparations
The squad rebuild is still a work in progress until the summer window shuts on September 1. Hurzeler, 33, faces another up-and-coming challenge in the Conference League, and the squad will need to be prepared to face the challenges of playing in Europe. The squad will need to be prepared to face the challenges of playing in Europe, including the quick turnaround for Sunday matches in the Premier League.
