FA Cup Match Preview: Brighton vs Chelsea

An all-Premier League FA Cup fourth-round tie takes centre stage this Saturday night at the Amex Stadium, where Brighton & Hove Albion will host Chelsea. With the Seagulls eager to seek revenge for a 4-2 league defeat at Stamford Bridge earlier in the season, the match promises to be an intriguing encounter.

Recent Form: Brighton’s Struggles vs. Chelsea’s Resilience

Brighton & Hove Albion’s Recent Struggles:

Brighton has experienced a difficult patch, especially following their shocking 7-0 loss to Nottingham Forest last weekend. This devastating defeat, their heaviest in 67 years, has led to increased pressure on manager Fabian Hurzeler, with the team now sitting 10th in the Premier League and six points off the top seven.

• Brighton’s Recent Form (All Competitions):
  • D, W, W, L, L, L
  • Current Form: 2 wins in the last 12 matches

However, the Seagulls have shown resilience in the FA Cup, advancing from five of their last six fourth-round ties since their promotion to the Premier League in 2017.

Chelsea’s Strong but Unconvincing Run:

Chelsea, on the other hand, has been in relatively solid form after their 3-1 defeat to Manchester City at the end of January. They bounced back with a 2-1 win over West Ham United, propelled by an equalizer from Pedro Neto and a fortunate own goal by Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

• Chelsea’s Recent Form (All Competitions):
  • D, W, D, W, L, W
  • Current Form: 3 wins in the last 6 matches

The Blues are currently 4th in the Premier League, two points ahead of Manchester City, and are looking to maintain their momentum in both domestic cups.

Head-to-Head: Brighton vs. Chelsea

Brighton has struggled to secure victories against Chelsea in recent years, with their most recent encounter ending in a 4-2 loss at Stamford Bridge. The Seagulls have also won just one of their last 11 home meetings with the Blues in all competitions.

• Last 5 Meetings:
  • Chelsea 4-2 Brighton (Premier League, October 2024)
  • Chelsea 2-0 Brighton (FA Cup, 1972-73)
  • Chelsea 3-1 Brighton (Premier League, 2024)
  • Chelsea 1-1 Brighton (Premier League, 2023)
  • Chelsea 1-0 Brighton (Premier League, 2023)

Despite their poor record against Chelsea, Brighton remains a dangerous opponent, having advanced from five of their last six FA Cup fourth-round ties.

Key Team News and Injury Updates

Brighton & Hove Albion:

• Injuries: Jason Steele (shoulder), Igor Julio (hamstring), Ferdi Kadioglu (toe), James Milner (thigh), Solly March (muscle).
• Doubtful: Mats Wieffer (thigh), Carlos Baleba, Yasin Ayari (both muscle), Pervis Estupinan (unspecified).
• Debutant: Eiran Cashin could make his debut following a hamstring injury.
• Possible Changes: Jack Hinshelwood could retain his midfield role, but Diego Gomez and Matt O’Riley may push for a start. Danny Welbeck is likely to lead the line.

Chelsea:

• Injuries: Mykhaylo Mudryk (suspended), Wesley Fofana, Omari Kellyman (both hamstring), Romeo Lavia, Benoit Badiashile (both thigh).
• Doubtful: Nicolas Jackson (hamstring), Marc Guiu (groin).
• Possible Changes: Christopher Nkunku is expected to start as centre-forward, with Cole Palmer continuing in the number 10 role.

Possible Starting Lineups

Brighton & Hove Albion:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
  • Starting XI: Verbruggen; Veltman, Dunk, Cashin, Lamptey; O’Riley, Hinshelwood; Adingra, Pedro, Mitoma; Welbeck

Chelsea:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
  • Starting XI: Jorgensen; Gusto, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Sancho; Nkunku

Key Stats:

What to Expect:

Given Brighton’s recent woes, including their catastrophic defensive performance against Forest, Chelsea will likely have the upper hand in this FA Cup tie. Brighton’s injuries and lack of form make them a vulnerable opponent, while Chelsea’s recent resurgence, despite inconsistent away form, suggests they will have too much quality for the Seagulls on the night.

Prediction: Brighton 1-3 Chelsea

Considering Brighton’s defensive frailties and Chelsea’s resilience in recent matches, we are backing the Blues to secure a win, even if changes are made to their starting lineup. Chelsea’s superior attacking options, led by the likes of Cole Palmer and Christopher Nkunku, should prove too much for the Seagulls.

Check also: Manchester United 2-1 Leicester City: Maguire and Zirkzee Secure FA Cup Victory