Chelsea travel to the Amex Stadium on Saturday night for an all-Premier League showdown in the FA Cup fourth round, as Enzo Maresca’s side looks to keep their cup ambitions alive.
The Blues are aiming to lift the FA Cup for the first time since 2018 after suffering three consecutive final defeats between 2020 and 2022.
Chelsea are looking for revenge in cup competition after their disappointing exit in the Carabao Cup to Newcastle.
However, they face a tricky test against a Brighton side determined to bounce back from a humiliating 7-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest in their last outing.
Chelsea’s Cup Aspirations & Injury Woes :
Chelsea made light work of League Two side Morecambe in the third round, securing a dominant 5-0 victory. However, the squad has since been weakened by the departure of Joao Felix to AC Milan and a growing injury list.
The attacking options are particularly stretched, with Nicolas Jackson a major doubt and Marc Guiu ruled out after picking up an injury in the 2-1 win over West Ham on Monday.
With Mykhailo Mudryk provisionally suspended following a failed drugs test, Maresca will likely turn to Christopher Nkunku to lead the line.
The French forward has only recently returned to action but is expected to play a key role in Chelsea’s attacking setup.
Maresca has expressed confidence in Nkunku’s ability to step up, stating:
“Against West Ham he played half an hour and hopefully from now on he can get more minutes. Before the window, we were sure Christo was one of the players we wanted to keep.”
Chelsea remain without Romeo Lavia (muscle injury), while defensive duo Wesley Fofana and Benoît Badiashile continue their long-term recoveries.
Brighton’s Response to Embarrassing Defeat :
Brighton head into this game on the back of a disastrous 7-0 thrashing by Nottingham Forest, a result that left manager Fabian Hürzeler demanding an immediate reaction.
The Seagulls secured their place in the fourth round with a solid 3-1 win over Norwich City in the previous round, and they will be eager to regain momentum against Chelsea.
Hürzeler is expected to field a strong lineup despite some injury concerns, with Yasin Ayari, Carlos Baleba, and Pervis Estupiñán all doubts for the clash, while Mats Wieffer and Solly March remain unavailable.
However, new signing Eiran Cashin could be in line for his debut as Brighton look to solidify their defense following last week’s horror show.
Key Tactical Insights :
– Chelsea’s attack: With limited attacking options, Chelsea may rely heavily on their midfielders to contribute in the final third. Cole Palmer’s creativity and Enzo Fernández’s passing range will be crucial in unlocking Brighton’s defense.
– Brighton’s response: Expect the Seagulls to play with extra motivation following their humiliating loss to Forest. Their high-intensity, possession-based approach could trouble Chelsea, particularly if the Blues struggle to transition effectively.
– Defensive discipline: Brighton’s fragile backline will need to be much sharper to contain Chelsea, while Maresca’s men must be wary of Brighton’s attacking threats, including Kaoru Mitoma and João Pedro.
Players to Watch :
– Christopher Nkunku (Chelsea): With Chelsea’s forward options depleted, Nkunku is expected to lead the line. He’ll be eager to make an impact, particularly as speculation about his future continues to swirl.
– João Pedro (Brighton): The Brazilian forward has been one of Brighton’s standout performers this season and will look to trouble Chelsea’s defense with his pace and finishing ability.
Key Stats :
– Chelsea have reached the FA Cup final in four of the last six seasons but haven’t won the competition since 2018.
– Brighton are unbeaten in their last three FA Cup home games (W2, D1).
– Chelsea have won five of their last six meetings with Brighton in all competitions (D1).
– Brighton are coming off their heaviest defeat in club history (0-7 vs Nottingham Forest).
Potential Lineups:
Brighton: 4-2-3-1 – Verbruggen; Veltman, Van Hecke, Dunk, Lamprey; Rutter, Hinshelwood; Minteh, Joao Pedro, Mitoma; Welbeck.
Chelsea: 4-2-3-1 – Sanchez; Gusto, Acheampong, Chalobah, Cucurella; Drewsbury-Hall, Caicedo; Neto, Palmer, Sancho; Nkunku.
Where to watch:
United Kingdom: ITV
United States: ESPN+
Canada: Sportsnet
