Brighton and Hove Albion head coach Fabian Hurzeler has called for unity among his team and supporters as they go in search of their sixth successive win in all competitions at home to Fulham this weekend.

The Seagulls have won five on the spin in all competitions, including an extra-time FA Cup win against Newcastle United last weekend, since a 7-0 reversal at Nottingham Forest in February.

It is a run that has taken them to the quarter-final of the FA Cup and to eighth in the Premier League table, three points behind fifth-placed Chelsea. But according to Hurzeler, sticking together will be the key to success for them.

"We can only win something if we stay together, and that's what we must focus on. In football, there is not a lot of momentum but we have to understand why it's like this in the moment," he said.

"It is important to stay grounded and keep doing the basic things."

Solly March and Danny Welbeck in particular impressed during Brighton's 2-1 win at Newcastle in the FA Cup, with both coming off the bench to make an impression and the latter scoring the winner.

"Two special players," said Hurzeler. "It is very helpful to have them in the team. They are great characters, they are hard workers, they have a lot of experience. It is important to have them in the squad."

Fulham head coach Marco Silva, meanwhile, is also hoping their own FA Cup success can be a springboard for results in the Premier League.

The Cottagers beat Manchester United on penalties to progress to the quarter-final, having initially taken the lead at Old Trafford on Sunday. Silva suggested that there were plenty of things about the performance he was pleased with.

“I loved the composure from our side,” Silva said of the shootout, in which Bernd Leno saved twice. “[Bernd Leno] is one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League, in my opinion. He has been showing that.

“The players were tired in the last 30 minutes, but we took the risk to be the dominant team on the pitch. I’m really proud the way, with less energy, they kept their personality and composure in that moment.

“It's not easy to come here and to control the game, knowing they have the open space to counter-attack."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Brighton – Joao Pedro

Joao Pedro comes into this match having scored in back-to-back Premier League matches, which takes his tally to seven league goals this season.

Both of those goals have been openers and another one here would be the first time the Brazilian has netted in three straight league matches in his top-flight career.

Fulham – Raul Jimenez

Jimenez is Fulham’s top scorer this season with nine goals in the Premier League, despite having gone three without a league goal.

All nine of Jimenez’s league goals this season have either put Fulham ahead (six) or drawn them level (three) in the match – the most goals any player has scored with 100% of them doing so this term.

MATCH PREDICTION: BRIGHTON WIN

Brighton have won each of their last three Premier League games – only once have they ever won four consecutive top-flight matches, doing so in April and May 1981.

Fabian Hurzeler’s side could become only the second team in English top-flight history to win four in a row immediately after a defeat of seven goals or more, having lost 7-0 to Nottingham Forest in February, and the first to do so since 1931.

The Seagulls have got things going early recently as well and have led at half-time in each of their last three Premier League games. They have only held a lead at the interval in four consecutive matches once before in the competition (April/May 2022).

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Brighton – 47.7%

Draw – 24.8%

Fulham – 27.5%