FA Cup: Brighton vs Chelsea Preview – February 8, 2025
The FA Cup continues with an
exciting clash as Brighton & Hove Albion take on Chelsea in the fifth round
of the prestigious tournament. Both teams will be looking to progress further
in their bid for silverware, making this a must-watch encounter at the Amex
Stadium.
Event
Details
- Fixture:
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Chelsea
- Date:
Saturday, February 8, 2025
- Kick-Off Time:
17:30 GMT / 12:30 ET / 18:30 CET
- Venue:
Amex Stadium, Brighton, England
- Broadcast & Live Stream:
- UK:
BBC Sport, ITV Sport
- US:
ESPN+, Paramount+
- Worldwide:
Available via regional broadcasters and online streaming platforms
Team
News
Brighton
& Hove Albion
Brighton, under Roberto De Zerbi,
have been a competitive side in the Premier League and are determined to cause
an upset against Chelsea.
- Injuries/Suspensions:
- Kaoru Mitoma:
Doubtful due to a muscle injury.
- Solly March:
Ruled out with a knee injury.
- Evan Ferguson:
Expected to be fit after recovering from a minor knock.
- Key Players:
- Pascal Gross:
The midfield maestro who controls the tempo.
- Joรฃo Pedro:
A goal-scoring threat in attack.
- Lewis Dunk:
Defensive leader, crucial in keeping Chelsea at bay.
Chelsea
Chelsea, managed by Mauricio
Pochettino, have had an inconsistent season but will be determined to keep
their FA Cup hopes alive.
- Injuries/Suspensions:
- Reece James:
Out with a long-term hamstring injury.
- Ben Chilwell:
Could return to the squad.
- Christopher Nkunku: Expected to play a role after injury recovery.
- Key Players:
- Enzo Fernรกndez:
Orchestrates play from midfield.
- Raheem Sterling: Brings pace and creativity in attack.
- Cole Palmer:
Has been a revelation this season.
Possible
Lineups
Brighton
(4-2-3-1):
- Goalkeeper:
Jason Steele
- Defenders:
Tariq Lamptey, Lewis Dunk, Jan Paul van Hecke, Pervis Estupiรฑรกn
- Midfielders:
Pascal Gross, Billy Gilmour
- Attacking Midfielders: Simon Adingra, Joรฃo Pedro, Kaoru Mitoma (if fit)
- Forward:
Evan Ferguson
Chelsea
(4-2-3-1):
- Goalkeeper:
Robert Sรกnchez
- Defenders:
Malo Gusto, Thiago Silva, Levi Colwill, Marc Cucurella
- Midfielders:
Enzo Fernรกndez, Moisรฉs Caicedo
- Attacking Midfielders: Cole Palmer, Raheem Sterling, Mykhailo Mudryk
- Forward:
Nicolas Jackson
Playing
Ground: Amex Stadium
Brighton’s home ground, the Amex
Stadium, is known for its vibrant atmosphere. With a capacity of 31,800, the
Seagulls’ fans will be in full voice to support their team against Chelsea.
Head-to-Head
Record
- Total Matches:
25
- Brighton Wins:
5
- Chelsea Wins:
14
- Draws:
6
While Chelsea have historically
dominated this fixture, Brighton have emerged as a strong competitor in recent
years.
Match
Preview
Brighton’s
Tactical Approach
Brighton are known for their
possession-based football under De Zerbi. They will look to control midfield
through Pascal Gross and use their dynamic wingers to exploit Chelsea’s
defense.
Chelsea’s
Strategy
Chelsea will likely rely on their
high pressing and quick transitions. With Enzo Fernรกndez pulling the strings in
midfield and Cole Palmer’s creativity, they will try to break down Brighton’s
disciplined defensive setup.
Key
Battles
- Pascal Gross vs. Enzo Fernรกndez: A midfield battle that could dictate the flow of the
game.
- Raheem Sterling vs. Tariq Lamptey: Pace and trickery on the wings.
- Lewis Dunk vs. Nicolas Jackson: A physical battle in the penalty box.
Betting
Odds & Predictions
- Brighton Win:
3/1
- Chelsea Win:
5/6
- Draw:
12/5
A tight contest is expected, but
Chelsea might edge it with a 2-1 victory given their attacking depth.
How
to Watch
United Kingdom:
- BBC Sport
- ITV Sport
United States:
- ESPN+
- Paramount+
Global:
- Check regional broadcasters for live streaming and TV
options.
Conclusion
Brighton vs. Chelsea promises to be
a thrilling FA Cup encounter. Chelsea’s attacking firepower gives them an edge,
but Brighton’s structured approach and home advantage could make this a closely
contested battle. Fans can expect a high-intensity match at the Amex Stadium on
February 8, 2025!