Brighton striker Neal Maupay sends this clear message to Crystal Palace fans

There is one proven method on how to become instantly popular with Brighton and Hove Albion fans - score against Crystal Palace.
Neal Mauapy was on target for Brighton against Crystal Palace at Selhurst last DecemberNeal Mauapy was on target for Brighton against Crystal Palace at Selhurst last December
Neal Mauapy was on target for Brighton against Crystal Palace at Selhurst last December

Neal Maupay achieved that objective in style at Selhurst Park last December with cracking left-footed finish that flew into the top corner to hand Albion the lead.

Unfortunately for Brighton, it wasn't quite enough to claim all three points as Wifried Zaha - the man Brighton supporters love to hate - levelled with 14 minutes remaining to seal a 1-1 draw.

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Maupay has eight Premier League goals this season and would love to be on the score sheet once again this Saturday as Roy Hodgson's Palace arrive at the Amex for a 12.30pm kick-off.

He said, “When we played them in December there was a great atmosphere and the away end was packed," said the Frenchman, who joined Brighton from Brentford for £16m last summer. "Our fans sang during the whole game which was a really good feeling for us.

“I scored in front of them and was really pleased because I know that it’s a big game for our fans and we want to make them proud and happy. It would be massive to win the game on Saturday.

"We’ll look at the Sheffield United match to see what we did well and and where we can improve, we’ll work hard this week and be ready on Saturday to get a win.”

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Maupay's goal against Sheffield United last Saturday was his first since that memorable strike at Palace. His header at Bramall Lane ended a run of eight matches without a goal and was the perfect way to respond having been dropped for the previous two matches against West Ham and Watford.

Brighton striker Neal Maupay silences the Crystal Palace supportBrighton striker Neal Maupay silences the Crystal Palace support
Brighton striker Neal Maupay silences the Crystal Palace support

“I hadn’t scored in the previous few games and I was on the bench a couple of games too," said the 24-year-old. "I know I can do better but I have confidence in my game and know I’m going to score goals. Even the best strikers in the world struggle sometimes so I didn’t worry about it.

“I just had to keep working hard and believing in myself. I have a manager and teammates who believe in me which gives me confidence.”

Sheffield United was only the second time this season Maupay has partnered Glenn Murray up front. The previous occasion was during the 1-1 draw against Burnley way back in September.

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“He he’s got such good experience of the Premier League and knows exactly what the team needs," said Maupay. “If we need to we can play the ball long to him because he will hold it up and I can play off him. He's always very calm - it's good to have him in the team."