2024-25 FA Cup: Fourth Round – Brighton vs Chelsea

Brighton & Hove Albion face fellow top-flight opposition, Chelsea in a Fourth Round encounter in 2024-25 FA Cup. 

Victory would see Brighton reach the fifth round in three consecutive seasons for the first time in their history.

Chelsea meanwhile are seeking a spot in the next round for the ninth time in ten seasons.

 

Team News

Brighton could welcome Yasin Ayari and Carlos Baleba back into contention following their recoveries from muscle injuries, whilst Pervis Estupinan (unspecified) could too return if fit for selection.

Jason Steele (shoulder), Ferdi Kadioglu (toe), Solly March (unspecified), Igor Julio, James Milner (both hamstring) and Mats Wieffer (thigh) remain sidelined.

Chelsea could be without Nicolas Jackson (hamstring) whilst Marc Guiu (knock) is ruled out after the pair suffered injuries in their comeback Premier League win over West Ham.

Mykhailo Mudryk (suspension), Romeo Lavia (muscle), Benoit Badiashile (thigh), Wesley Fofana and Omari Kellyman (both hamstring) are still ruled out.

 

When is Kick-Off?

Brighton host Chelsea at the AMEX Stadium on Saturday 8 February at 8pm GMT, live on ITV4 in the UK.

 

Stat Attack

• Brighton have won one of three previous FA Cup ties against Chelsea (W1, L2), although they drew 1-1 in their initial meeting in their second FA Cup tie then lost the replay 4-0 at Stamford Bridge.
• Chelsea have avoided defeat in two of their three previous FA Cup trips to Brighton (W1, D1, L1).
• This is Brighton’s first FA Cup meeting against Chelsea to be played at AMEX Stadium, with their three previous home meetings in this competition having been played at the Goldstone Ground.
• Brighton have won both of their two previous all-Premier League ties in the FA Cup since they were promoted to the modern top-flight in 2017 (W2).
• Chelsea have won three of their last five away ties in the FA Cup to fellow top-flight opposition (W3, L2).

 

Prediction

Despite their seven-goal mauling at Nottingham Forest beset by awful defensive play, Brighton arguably didn’t play too badly in terms of forward attacking play but lacked much end product unlike a clinical Forest so a huge improvement is needed here if want to go on another cup run.

Chelsea meanwhile have enough depth and quality to pose a huge threat especially after a clinical second-half comeback against West Ham, having looked flat and lacking a sharp creative edge in a scrappy first half which isn’t surprising given their recent dip in form.

Brighton’s defence though is their weak point and if Chelsea are on top form attack wise, I can see them just edging this tie.

Prediction: Brighton 1-2 Chelsea

Result: Brighton 2-1 Chelsea