Brighton faces Chelsea in crucial FA Cup clash after recent struggles

In an exciting FA Cup fourth round being held in Brighton, England, Brighton and Chelsea are set to clash today, February 8, 2025, at the Amex Stadium. Both teams are looking to make a significant impact in the tournament, especially Brighton, who aim to bounce back from a heavy 7-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest in their previous match. The Seagulls managed to secure their place in this round with an impressive win over Norwich, highlighting their potential when in form. On the other hand, Chelsea is enjoying a return to form following their recent 2-1 victory over West Ham. The win pushed them back into the Premier League's top four, and an FA Cup run is seen as an opportunity to secure silverware this season. However, they face various issues with suspensions and injuries, particularly with Mykhaylo Mudryk unable to play and several other key players sidelined, which may affect their performance. Brighton’s manager, Fabian Hurzeler, faces challenges in terms of his squad, dealing with multiple injuries. Mats Wieffer is unavailable, while Carlos Baleba and Yasin Ayari are doubtful for the match against Chelsea. These setbacks come after a tough loss, and Hurzeler is looking for a positive response from his players to regain confidence and morale. The pressure on Brighton is palpable as they aspire not only to win but to erase the memories of their recent struggles. As both teams prepare for this critical encounter, Chelsea will likely utilize their squad depth strategically; however, Brighton's urgency to perform might drive them to pull off what many consider an upset. It will ultimately come down to execution on the night, making this FA Cup fixture a must-watch for fans of both teams and those invested in the competition.