Brighton & Hove Albion welcome Championship’s Derby County to the Amex Stadium for this FA Cup fifth round clash.
Brighton are looking to reach the last eight for second consecutive season whilst Derby have lost their last four appearances at this stage, yet have already knocked out two Premier League teams in both cups this season.
Team news
Embed from Getty ImagesBrighton could be without Solly March after the midfielder limped out of last weekend’s home defeat against Burnley with an ankle problem.
Jose Izquierdo is back training after recovering from his knee injury whilst Jason Steele is still sidelined with a wrist injury.
Florin Andone will serve the second of a three match ban after being found guilty of violent conduct during their fourth round replay win over West Bromwich Albion.
Derby could hand goalkeeper, Scott Carson a late fitness test as he battles a thigh problem.
Curtis Davies (Achilles) and Marcus Olsson (knee) remain long-term absentees for the Rams.
Stat Attack
- Derby won two of three FA Cup meetings but lost the last such clash 3-1 in 1961 (W2, L1).
- Two of those meetings took place at Brighton’s old ground, Goldstone Ground.
- Derby’s 6-0 FA Cup win in February 1946 still remains the largest victory and game with highest number of goals in all competitive meetings between these sides.
- Derby’s two cup wins over top flight sides this season have both come via penalties after 2-2 draws.
Prediction
I am expecting a cracking match but both teams have bigger priorities in their respective leagues.
One thing that we can probably be sure of here is goals and because Brighton’s home form is strong, I am going for an extra time victory.
Prediction: Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 (AET) Derby County
Result: Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 Derby County
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