Brighton & Hove Albion have eight major dates approaching as Fabian Hürzeler prepares his squad for the club’s return to European competition. Albion’s schedule includes four friendlies, a UEFA Conference League draw, two play-off matches and their Premier League opener against Aston Villa.
The next stage of Brighton’s preparation begins against Annecy on Saturday 25 July. Hürzeler’s side will then face Strasbourg behind closed doors on 1 August as their private training camp in France concludes.
Brighton will discover their potential Conference League play-off opponents when the draw takes place on 3 August. Roma visit the Amex five days later before Bologna provide the final pre-season opposition on 15 August.
Albion’s full list of key upcoming dates highlights how quickly competitive football will follow those friendlies. Brighton’s Conference League play-off first leg is scheduled for 20 August.
Brighton face demanding start to new season
Hürzeler’s side will begin their Premier League campaign against Aston Villa at the Amex on Sunday 23 August. The fixture comes only three days after Brighton’s first European match of the season.
The return leg of their Conference League tie follows on Thursday 27 August. Albion must therefore manage three important competitive fixtures across eight days at the beginning of the campaign.
Brighton have already started building match sharpness. Charalampos Kostoulas scored twice during a 4-1 friendly victory over Wycombe Wanderers as several senior and academy players received valuable minutes.
The summer transfer window will then close at 11pm on Tuesday 1 September. Brighton’s recruitment team must finalise Hürzeler’s squad while the club navigates Premier League and European commitments.
The schedule leaves little room for a slow start. Albion need their new signings, returning internationals and younger players ready before the first Conference League leg.
