Jablonec vs Brighton Prediction (Conference League) Odds and Bets 22.10.2026

Jablonec have had a difficult few days. Their 3-2 defeat away to Freiburg in the Conference League was followed by another 3-2 loss, this time at home to Viktoria Plzeň in the Czech First League.

The performances weren’t entirely poor. Against Freiburg, Antonín Růsek equalised in the first half before Garang Kuol scored deep into stoppage time. Jablonec also showed character against Plzeň, fighting back from 3-0 down to make the closing stages interesting.

What concerns me is how often they’re giving themselves too much to do. Conceding six goals across two matches against quality opposition is hardly ideal preparation for facing one of England’s most dangerous attacking sides. There are reasons for encouragement, though. Luboš Kozel’s team won all three of their home Conference League qualifiers without conceding, including a 1-0 victory over Rangers.

Their home ground has been a difficult European destination, and I wouldn’t dismiss that advantage entirely. In terms of availability, Kevin-Prince Milla and Kryštof Karban remain sidelined, while Lamin Jawo is a doubt after missing the Plzeň match.

Brighton are flying under Fabian Hürzeler. Five consecutive victories, 17 goals scored and just two conceded tell their own story. But it’s the variety of opponents they’ve beaten that really impresses me. A 3-0 win against Arsenal was followed by a 2-0 victory away at Sunderland, a comprehensive 4-0 Conference League success against Kauno Žalgiris and Sunday’s remarkable 5-0 demolition of Crystal Palace.

That Palace match was settled almost immediately. Brighton scored three times inside ten minutes and finished with nine shots on target. Their European opener was equally dominant. Georginio Rutter scored twice against Kauno Žalgiris, while Jack Hinshelwood and Matt O’Riley also got on the scoresheet. Brighton controlled possession and created chances consistently, even with changes to their usual starting XI.

There are some selection concerns. Kaoru Mitoma, Evan Ferguson and Mats Wieffer are among those unavailable, while Hürzeler must also manage his squad carefully with Liverpool and Manchester City fixtures approaching. Even so, the Seagulls have enough attacking options to make another convincing European performance a realistic prospect.

• Brighton’s attacking form: Seventeen goals in five games, including nine across their last two fixtures, makes them extremely difficult to contain. Their movement between the lines and willingness to attack with several players are particularly important.
• Jablonec’s defensive problems: Six goals conceded against Freiburg and Viktoria Plzeň highlight the difficulty they’ve had against stronger opponents. Brighton have the pace and technical quality to exploit similar openings.
• Home advantage: Jablonec won their three home European qualifiers without conceding. That record deserves respect, although Thursday’s opposition represent a much tougher attacking examination.
• Rotation and squad depth: Both clubs played on Sunday, giving them the same recovery period. Brighton may rotate again, but Rutter’s two goals in their Conference League opener demonstrated that changes needn’t weaken their attack significantly.
• The betting prices: Brighton’s short outright odds reflect their dominance in recent performances. I can see the appeal of backing them simply to win, but combining a Brighton victory with a high-scoring match offers a more ambitious alternative.