Brighton vs Chelsea | FA Cup | Fourth Round | Pre Match

Brighton will need to overturn a poor recent record against Chelsea if they are to progress in Saturday’s FA Cup fourth-round tie at the Amex Stadium. The Seagulls have struggled against the Blues in recent encounters, suffering four straight defeats, and have only managed one victory in their past 11 home matches against the London side. This history suggests that Brighton face an uphill battle, but cup competitions often provide a stage for unexpected results, and they will be eager to seize the opportunity to upset their more decorated opponents.

Chelsea’s dominance in this fixture extends beyond recent years. Their last encounter in the Premier League saw them secure a commanding 4-2 victory, a game forever marked by Cole Palmer’s extraordinary four-goal performance before half-time—a feat unmatched in Premier League history. The Blues’ pedigree in the FA Cup is equally daunting for Brighton. Chelsea have eliminated the Seagulls in their previous two FA Cup encounters, though one must look back 52 years to find their last cup triumph over Brighton—a 2-0 victory in the third round of the 1972-73 FA Cup. An earlier fourth-round replay win in 1967 saw Chelsea triumph 4-0, further underscoring their historical superiority.

Adding to Brighton’s concerns is Chelsea’s impeccable record at this stage of the competition. The Blues have progressed from 25 of their last 27 FA Cup fourth-round ties, with only two slip-ups occurring in 2010-11 against Everton and 2014-15 against Bradford City. Their consistency in advancing to the later rounds of the competition highlights their depth, experience, and ability to perform under pressure. Brighton, however, should not be underestimated. Since earning promotion to the Premier League in 2017, they have been highly efficient in the fourth round of the FA Cup, winning five of their six matches at this stage, with their only defeat coming against Tottenham in a 3-1 loss during the 2021-22 season.

One of Brighton’s potential game-changers is forward Georginio Rutter. His contributions in the FA Cup have been notable, with three goals and one assist in just 101 minutes of play across his last two appearances in the competition. Such a return demonstrates his effectiveness in knockout football, and if he can replicate that form, Chelsea’s defense could face a significant test. Brighton’s attacking prowess will need to be at its sharpest if they are to counter Chelsea’s resilience and experience.

Chelsea approach this tie with notable injury concerns, particularly in their forward line. Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu both sustained knocks during Monday’s 2-1 victory over West Ham, with Jackson forced off early in the second half. However, manager Enzo Maresca later indicated that both players assured him they were fit to continue. Regardless, the Blues may opt to be cautious with their selection. Elsewhere, key players such as Roméo Lavia, Benoît Badiashile, and Wesley Fofana remain unavailable, forcing Maresca to rely on rotational options and younger talents.

Brighton, on the other hand, have their own injury worries. Head coach Fabian Hürzeler has openly acknowledged the persistent muscle injury problems plaguing his squad, particularly in the aftermath of their crushing 7-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest. Defensive stalwart Pervis Estupiñán, midfielders Mats Wieffer and Solly March are nearing returns, but it remains uncertain whether they will be risked for such a crucial fixture. Additionally, Carlos Baleba and Yasin Ayari could be involved, but the likes of James Milner, Ferdi Kadioglu, Jason Steele, and Igor Julio remain ruled out, limiting Hürzeler’s tactical flexibility.

The omens do not look particularly promising for Brighton heading into this weekend’s clash. Chelsea’s stranglehold over this fixture, coupled with their impressive cup pedigree, presents a daunting challenge. Brighton’s lone victory in 11 home encounters with the Blues at the Amex Stadium illustrates the scale of the task ahead. However, football is often unpredictable, and the FA Cup has a history of springing surprises. If Brighton can rise to the occasion, overcome their injury concerns, and capitalize on home advantage, they might just defy expectations and book their place in the fifth round.