Brighton vs Chelsea: FA Cup Fourth-Round Preview (Sat, Feb 8)
The FA Cup fourth round sees Brighton take on Chelsea in what promises to be a high-stakes encounter at the Amex Stadium on Saturday, February 8. Both sides are eager to progress, with cup success offering a vital morale boost amid inconsistent league form. However, defensive frailties could define this contest, making it a fixture primed for goals.
Match Details
- Date: Saturday, February 8, 2025
- Kick-off Time: 20:00 GMT
- Venue: Amex Stadium
- Where to Watch: ITV4
Brighton’s Recent Form & Challenges
Brighton comes into this game off the back of a humiliating 7-0 loss to Nottingham Forest, a result that exposed their defensive weaknesses. Their Premier League campaign has hit a rough patch, with just two wins in their last 13 games. While they secured a convincing 4-0 victory over Norwich City in the previous FA Cup round, their struggles in league play suggest they’ll need a strong response to compete with Chelsea.
Defensive lapses have been a recurring issue, with nine goals conceded in their last three matches. Their goalkeeping and backline inconsistencies could prove costly against a Chelsea side known for its attacking quality.
Chelsea’s Quest for Silverware
Chelsea enters this clash looking to maintain momentum after a 2-1 comeback win against West Ham United in their last league fixture. However, their Premier League struggles have taken them out of the title race, and the FA Cup could serve as their best shot at silverware this season.
Enzo Maresca’s side boasts one of the most potent attacks in the league, with Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson combining for 23 goals this season. However, defensive concerns persist, with just one clean sheet in their last seven matches. Chelsea will need a disciplined performance to prevent Brighton from exploiting their vulnerabilities.
Head-to-Head Record & Key Stats
- Chelsea has won the last four meetings between these two sides.
- Brighton hasn’t kept a clean sheet against Chelsea in their last nine encounters.
- Six of the last seven meetings have seen over 2.5 goals scored.
- Their most recent league fixture ended in a 4-2 Chelsea victory.
These stats suggest another high-scoring contest, with both teams capable of finding the net.
Predicted Outcome & Betting Tips
Prediction: Brighton 1-2 Chelsea
Betting Tip: Over 2.5 goals (Given both sides’ defensive struggles)
Dark Horse Bet: Both teams to score in both halves
Brighton’s shaky form and defensive vulnerabilities could give Chelsea the edge. However, if Brighton can shake off their Nottingham Forest nightmare and rediscover their attacking rhythm, this could be a far more competitive fixture than the stats suggest.
Team News & Expected Lineups
Brighton
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- Doubtful/Injured: James Milner, Pervis Estupiñán, Solly March, Mats Wieffer, Carlos Baleb
- Expected Key Players: Kaoru Mitoma, Joao Pedro, Pascal Groß
Chelsea
- Unavailable: Romeo Lavia, Benoît Badiashile, Wesley Fofana
- Possible Rotation: Young striker Marc Guiu could feature
- Expected Key Players: Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson, Enzo Fernández
