Chelsea suffered defeat in the all-Premier League showdown against Brighton and crashed out of the FA Cup in the process. As a result, the Blues’ wait to lift the trophy for the first time since 2018 goes on.
Enzo Maresca's side took the lead in the fourth round tie as early as the fifth minute when Bart Verbruggen somehow bundled a tame Cole Palmer cross into his own net. However, the Seagulls - who were thumped 7-0 by Nottingham Forest last time out - did not fold and were level seven minutes later thanks to a brilliant header from Georginio Rutter.
Rutter turned provider for Brighton’s winner as Kauro Mitoma produced a clever finish in the second half to knock Chelsea out and spark jubilant scenes from the home supporters inside the Amex Stadium after the final whistle.
The two teams meet again in the Premier League next week but Brighton will now await their opponents in the fifth round when the draw is made on Monday evening as Chelsea now focus on a top-four finish and success in the Conference League. Read the game back below with our dedicated match blog.
Brighton vs Chelsea latest news
- GOAL! Mitoma puts hosts ahead
- GOAL! Rutter with instant response
- GOAL! Verbruggen error gifts Blues early lead
- Chelsea lineup announced: Nkunku starts, Sanchez returns
- Confirmed Brighton XI: Baleba starts
Chelsea Reaction
23:08 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneStandard Sport’s very own Malik Ouzia has delivered his verdict on Chelsea’s 2-1 loss to Brighton in the FA Cup fourth round...
🗣 "A really worrying night on a few different fronts for Enzo Maresca."@MalikOuzia_ gives his reaction as Chelsea are knocked out of the FA Cup.
— Standard Sport (@standardsport) February 8, 2025
LIVE: https://t.co/asWo0Ugg6m#BHACHE | #EmiratesFACup | #CFC pic.twitter.com/gJtQAEvIfP
Chelsea player ratings
22:09 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneCole Palmer 5
Could not believe his luck when Bart Verbruggen bundled his tame cross in but well below his best otherwise. Hooked a chance not dissimilar to Mitoma’s well wide.
Jadon Sancho 4
A thoroughly underwhelming display from the Englishman.
Christopher Nkunku 4
In theory Chelsea’s only fit striker but showed why Maresca considers him a No10. Spent too much time dropping deep when Chelsea needed a focal point.
Click here for our Chelsea player ratings!
Chelsea have been knocked out of the FA Cup at the fourth round stage after losing to Brighton despite taking an early lead.
Chelsea were in front after five minutes thanks to a nightmare moment for Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen.
Cole Palmer latched onto Jadon Sancho’s pass and fizzed the ball into the middle, but Verbruggen somehow spilled it over his own goal-line and was duly credited with an own goal after some really poor goalkeeping.
Perhaps fearing the worst after conceding seven goals away at Nottingham Forest, the Seagulls produced a great response.
Read our full match report right here!
Brighton 2-1 Chelsea
21:54 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneFull-time! That’s it, Chelsea are out of the FA Cup.
Brighton 2-1 Chelsea
21:52 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne90+2 min: Brighton win a corner, they are almost there.
Brighton 2-1 Chelsea
21:52 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne90+1 min: Moment of confusion as Fernandez sees a shot saved but the goal wouldn’t have stood in any case as a corner had been awarded.
Brighton 2-1 Chelsea
21:50 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne90 min: Board goes up and there will be four minutes of injury time.
Brighton 2-1 Chelsea
21:48 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne88 min: Another Brighton change as Welbeck, passes over the captain’s armband to Webster as he is replaced by O’Riley.
Brighton 2-1 Chelsea
21:46 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne86 min: Brighton are defending so well. Lamptey just emphasised that with a brilliant tackle on Madueke.
Brighton 2-1 Chelsea
21:43 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne83 min: Approaching the final five minutes here at the Amex.
Can Chelsea find an equaliser? Well, not yet as George fires over from inside the area.
Brighton 2-1 Chelsea
21:39 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne79 min: Free-kick for Chelsea. Promising position, Palmer and Fernandez over it.
The latter takes, picks out Chalobah who scuffs his effort.
Brighton 2-1 Chelsea
21:37 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne77 min: Joao Pedro is demanding a penalty after claiming he was pulled back by Gusto. Nothing is given though.
Brighton 2-1 Chelsea
21:34 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne74 min: On the stretch, Palmer shoots wide.
Throw of the dice by Maresca as he replaces Neto and Sancho with Madueke and George.
Brighton make a double change too; Ayari and Pedro on for Rutter and Baleba.
Brighton 2-1 Chelsea
21:32 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne71 min: Oh dear, Sancho.
Really good wing play from Neto, he picks out Sancho who takes too many touches inside the are and the chance goes begging.
Brighton 2-1 Chelsea
21:31 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne70 min: Crucial defending from Tosin to cut out Minteh’s intended pass for Gomez.
Lamptey takes the resulting corner but his delivery is poor and Palmer heads it away.
However, the clearance drops straight to Mitoma who volleys the ball first time and Sanchez needs two bites at the cherry to claim the ball.
Brighton 2-1 Chelsea
21:28 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne68 min: Caicedo booked for a foul on Lamptey.
Brighton 2-1 Chelsea
21:27 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne66 min: Chelsea crank up the pressure as Sancho picks out Fernandez in the area but the Blues captain snatches at the shot and sends the ball over the bar. He had more time than he thought.
Brighton make a change as Gomez replaces Hinshelwood.
Brighton 2-1 Chelsea
21:24 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne65 min: Chelsea are in down the left but Webster is on hand to clear the ball away from danger.
Brighton 2-1 Chelsea
21:23 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne62 min: Really good finish from Mitoma as he took one touch to bring the ball under control before dinking it over Sanchez and beyond Cucurella’s stretch.
Brighton 2-1 Chelsea
21:21 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne60 min: Decent chance for Brighton to score a third as Minteh’s corner reaches Welbeck but the striker is off balance and can’t guide his header on target.
Brighton 2-1 Chelsea
21:19 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne58 min: Chelsea respond to that goal by bringing on Enzo Fernandez for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
GOAL! Brighton 2-1 Chelsea | Kaoru Mitoma '58
21:18 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne57 min: GOALLLL
Having trailed, Brighton now lead!
Rutter reacts quickest to a loose ball, feeds Mitoma who clips the ball over Sanchez and into the net.
Brighton 1-1 Chelsea
21:14 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne54 min: Neto gets the better of Lamptey and digs out a cross which is beyond his teammates.
Then at the other end Mitoma’s cross just evades Minteh at the back post.
Decent opening for both sides, just lacking some quality in the final third.
Brighton 1-1 Chelsea
21:12 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne51 min: Better from Baleba as he stops a potential Chelsea break with a well-timed challenge on Cucurella.
Even start to the second half.
Brighton 1-1 Chelsea
21:09 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne48 min: Ouch!
Pedro Neto lines one up and his effort cannons off Hinshelwood’s chest. That looked a sore one! The Brighton man certainly took one for the team there.
Brighton 1-1 Chelsea
21:07 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne47 min: Not a great start to the second half by Baleba as that’s twice he has cheaply conceded possession.
Brighton 1-1 Chelsea
21:06 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne46 min: Loose pass from Baleba that Neto seizes upon, however Chelsea are pushed back and Palmer ends up going all the way back to Sanchez.
Brighton 1-1 Chelsea
21:04 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBack underway at the Amex Stadium.
One change at the interval with Dunk being replaced by Webster.
This tie is heading for extra-time, as things stand.
Chelsea's goal
20:59 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBart Verbruggen will not want to see this goal again...
An absolute nightmare from Bart Verbruggen in goal 😐
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) February 8, 2025
Cole Palmer puts it towards goal but the keeper spills it in! @ChelseaFC | @EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/d4vruyqWK3
HT: Brighton 1-1 Chelsea
20:50 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHalf-time at the Amex Stadium and it’s all square.
Chelsea took an early lead thanks to an own goal by Bart Verbruggen but Brighton hit back seven minutes later through Georginio Rutter.
Second half is set up nicely.
Standard Sport's Malik Ouzia at the Amex Stadium
20:48 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneA frantic 15 minutes followed by a pretty drab half-an-hour. The worry for Chelsea is the relative lack of options on their bench.
Brighton 1-1 Chelsea
20:47 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne45+1 min: Palmer got caught by Dunk as he made an attempt for the ball. Not much in that.
Brighton 1-1 Chelsea
20:46 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne45 min: Caicedo picks out Dewsbury-Hall’s run with a fine pass, he gives it to Sancho but his cross is deflected which allows Dunk to cushion the ball back to his goalkeeper.
Three minutes of added time have been signalled.
Brighton 1-1 Chelsea
20:44 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne43 min: Tosin error gifts the ball to Rutter who powers forward but from an acute angle can only steer a weak effort at goal and Cucurella is on hand to concede a corner.
Brighton 1-1 Chelsea
20:43 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne42 min: Gusto plays a one-two with Caicedo but Lamptey matches his run and sees the ball out for a goal kick.
Brighton 1-1 Chelsea
20:42 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne41 min: Minteh is fine to continue, as is Dunk after going off for 30 seconds.
Brighton 1-1 Chelsea
20:40 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne40 min: The injury issues pass back over to Brighton as they have TWO players down at once.
Dunk is struggling again and Minteh has come off worse following a clash of knees with Nkunku.
Brighton 1-1 Chelsea
20:39 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne39 min: Looks like Neto is going to give it a go. Chelsea, for the moment are down to 10, but 30 seconds pass and the winger races back onto the pitch to help out defensively.
Standard Sport's Malik Ouzia at the Amex Stadium
20:37 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe injury problems mount for Chelsea. Pedro Neto signals immediately to the bench with no one near him and Enzo Maresca straight away has Noni Madueke warming up.
Brighton 1-1 Chelsea
20:37 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne35 min: Neto pulls up after Mitoma skips past with him ease.
The winger signalled to the bench straight away, which is always a bad sign.
Noni Madueke is being readied.
Brighton 1-1 Chelsea
20:35 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne34 min: Couple of important defensive interventions in quick succession from Cucurella.
Concern for Brighton as captain Lewis Dunk is struggling.
Doesn’t look to serious as he gestures to the bench that he is OK.
Brighton 1-1 Chelsea
20:31 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne30 min: Caicedo loses possession in a dangerous area but is able to win the ball back immediately despite feeling he was fouled.
At the other end, Nkunku opts against a shot when clean through as he squares the ball to Palmer who can only loop his header onto the top of the net.
Big chance that.
Standard Sport's Malik Ouzia at the Amex Stadium
20:28 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneA proper clash of villains, that. Joel Veltman nails Marc Cucurella and then accuses him of playacting and drags him back to his feet.
Brighton 1-1 Chelsea
20:28 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne27 min: Veltman produces a fine tackle to stop Sancho in his tracks but then catches Cucurella on the follow through.
Yellow card for the Dutchman.
Brighton 1-1 Chelsea
20:26 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne26 min: Verbruggen hasn’t had much to do since his own goal but he’s just sliced a clearance out of play under relatively little pressure.
He receives some encouragement from his manager.
Brighton 1-1 Chelsea
20:24 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne22 min: Minteh makes the most of a long ball and sends it across the face of goal where there’s not a Brighton player in sight.
The winger has every right to wave his hands in frustration.
Brighton 1-1 Chelsea
20:21 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne20 min: Lamptey does well down Brighton’s left to unseat Gusto and wants a foul after being tackled by Caicedo.
Nothing is given as Rutter hunts down the Chelsea captain and his shown a yellow card for his challenge.
So that is 1-1 on the scoreboard and 1-1 in terms of yellow cards.
Standard Sport's Malik Ouzia at the Amex Stadium
20:18 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne18 min: Pedro Neto vs Tyrique Lamptey is turning into a nice little battle on the far side. Just a bit of pace between them.
Brighton 1-1 Chelsea
20:16 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne15 min: Not too long after Brighton equalised, Dewsbury-Hall was shown a yellow card.
Long time for the Chelsea midfielder to watch his step.
Standard Sport's Malik Ouzia at the Amex Stadium
20:14 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneCredit the cross from Veltman and the movement of Rutter to get between the centre-backs. But having won the first clearing header, Chalobah just lost his bearings for a second.
When the second cross went over his head, he went to put his arms out as if to signal there was no danger, not knowing Rutter had snuck in.
GOAL! Brighton 1-1 Chelsea | Georginio Rutter '12
20:13 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne12 min: BRIGHTON LEVEL
Well, Chelsea’s lead did not last long as Georginio Rutter gets in between Tosin and Chalobah to head home Veltman’s excellent cross.
This is a proper cup tie!
Brighton 0-1 Chelsea
20:10 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne9 min: Excellent defending from Chalobah as he slides in to not only halt an attack but play the ball off Rutter to earn Chelsea a goal kick.
Standard Sport's Malik Ouzia at the Amex Stadium
20:09 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne7 min: That is a Grade A goober. He does absolutely everything wrong, Verbruggen. His positioning is poor, with too much goal exposed, then he reads both the flight and the direction of the cross wrong, but even then he’s under not sort of pressure and just bundles it in.
GOAL! Brighton 0-1 Chelsea | Bart Verbruggen (O.G) '5
20:07 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne5 min: GOALLL
It’s a moment to forget for Bart Verbruggen has he ushers the ball into his own net in an attempt to deal with Cole Palmer’s cross.
Really poor goalkeeping that!
Brighton 0-0 Chelsea
20:05 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne4 min: Fast break from Chelsea but Neto overhits his pass to Sancho. Though the winger is able to keep the attack alive as he tees up Palmer whose effort is tipped over the bar for a corner.
Standard Sport's Malik Ouzia at the Amex Stadium
20:02 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBoos for Robert Sanchez, boos for Marc Cucurella and I’m sure there will be for Moises Caicedo when he gets on the ball, too. They’re in for a busy night, the home crowd.
Brighton 0-0 Chelsea
20:01 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne1 min: Chelsea straight on the attack as Sancho feeds Dewsbury-Hall down the left, he takes a snap shot which hits the side netting.
KICK-OFF!
20:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneWe are underway in this FA Cup fourth round tie!
Here we go!
19:56 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe teams have emerged from the tunnel at the Amex Stadium.
Kick-off is fast approaching!
FA Cup rule change
19:54 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe FA Cup rules have changed this season. Replays have been scrapped from the first round onwards, with a winner determined on the day of the ties.
So, if the scores are level after 90 minutes tonight, a period of 30 minutes of extra time will be played with a penalty shootout to follow if a winner can not be found in that time.
Standard Sport's Malik Ouzia at the Amex Stadium
19:51 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneEvidence of just how much depth Chelsea surrendered in January can be found on their bench. In the past this season, even when they’ve had a few injuries, they’ve had it packed with senior players and even had to leave some out most weeks.
Today, it includes three academy graduates and two young imports who are yet to play for the club.
No VAR tonight
19:50 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneVAR will not be in operation during tonight's FA Cup tie.
In fact, VAR will not feature in the competition until round five. This decision haunted Leicester City last night, so let's hope for no controversy at the Amex.
'Video Assistant Referees (VAR) will only be used in the 2024-25 Emirates FA Cup from the Fifth Round onwards,’ the FA confirmed in a statement.
'It has been agreed that VAR will be utilised for every match in the Fifth Round of the competition through to the Final at Wembley Stadium, and will not be in operation for the Third and Fourth Rounds.
‘VAR has only been used in the Emirates FA Cup previously for matches at Wembley Stadium and at Premier League grounds due to the infrastructure, workforce and costs that are required for its operation.
'This decision ensures that there is a consistent refereeing approach for all clubs taking part in the same stage of the competition.'
Not long now!
19:45 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneLess than 15 minutes to go until kick-off at The Amex!
Nicolas Jackson latest
19:40 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneNo Nicolas Jackson for Chelsea tonight but Enzo Maresca is hopeful the striker will be back for next week's clash against Brighton.
"As I said a few days ago, it's not a big injury but he needs some days off and hopefully for the next game he can be available."
Cobham's finest
19:35 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThree of Chelsea’s most promising youngsters will be itching to get involved tonight...
Cobham. 🩷#CFC | #EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/j7BDkci2GA
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 8, 2025
Anselmino shirt number revealed
19:30 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThere's another new face in the Chelsea matchday squad tonight.
Aaron Anselmino, who completed a switch to the Blues in August 2024 but spent the remainder of the year at Boca Juniors, returned in Janaury and has been training at Cobham with the first-team squad ever since.
He will wear the number 30 shirt.
Chelsea's new number 39
19:25 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneMathis Amougou is among the Chelsea substitutes tonight. He has been allocated the number 39 shirt after joining on transfer deadline day.
Brighton changes
19:20 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneDespite suffering a 7-0 hammering against Nottingham Forest last time out, Fabian Hurzeler has made just one change to the side that started at the City Ground.
Carlos Baleba replaces Joao Pedro. New signing Eiran Cashin is on the bench.
Chelsea changes
19:15 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneI make that six changes to the Chelsea side that started the 2-1 win over West Ham on Monday night.
Robert Sanchez, Malo Gusto, Trevoh Chalobah, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Pedro Neto and Christopher Nkunku all benefit from squad rotation tonight.
Brighton team in full
19:10 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBrighton XI: Verbruggen, Lamptey, Dunk, Van Hecke, Veltman, Hinshelwood, Mitoma, Baleba, Rutter, Minteh, Welbeck
Subs: Webster, Gruda, Pedro, Adingra, Cashin, Gomez, Ayari, O'Riley, McGill
Chelsea team in full
19:05 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneChelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Tosin, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Dewsbury-Hall; Neto, Palmer, Sancho; Nkunku
Subs: Jorgensen, Acheampong, Colwill, Anselmino, Samuels-Smith, Amougou, Fernandez, Madueke, George
Confirmed Brighton XI
19:01 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneAnd lining up for the home side...
TEAM NEWS! 🚨 Here's our starting XI to face @ChelseaFC in the FA Cup. 👀📝 pic.twitter.com/1ncl5hINYu
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) February 8, 2025
Chelsea lineup announced
19:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHere’s how Chelsea lineup tonight...
Representing Chelsea! 🖤🩷#CFC | #EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/FpWM8HTmrU
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 8, 2025
Team news imminent
18:55 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneWe are expecting the team news to be announced shortly.
Chelsea’s latest signing Mathis Amougou has arrived at the Amex with the squad alongside the likes of Cole Palmer and Robert Sanchez.
Stay tuned...
Brighton vs Chelsea stat
18:50 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneNow, this is interesting.
This is the third occasion Chelsea and Brighton have been paired in the FA Cup.
However because it’s the first cup meeting since 1973, it means this is the first time the teams have faced each other in the FA Cup at the Amex Stadium.
Fabian Hurzeler targets FA Cup success
18:45 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneFabian Hurzeler has described Brighton’s FA Cup clash against Chelsea as a “do or die game”.
”It's a chance to win a title. Therefore, we try to go all in. It's a do or die game, although we know that we will face a very big opponent who are playing a great season,” he said.
“Like I said, it's a do or die game and we proved it this season that we can beat everyone. So we will have a very positive mindset, and we will go into this game full of confidence."
Around the grounds
18:40 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHere are the remaining FA Cup fourth round ties with Newcastle in action right now!
Aston Villa vs Tottenham
Birmingham 2-2 Newcastle (HT)
Blackburn Rovers vs Wolves
Brighton vs Chelsea
Doncaster Rovers vs Crystal Palace
Exeter vs Nottingham Forest
Plymouth Argyle vs Liverpool
Brighton vs Chelsea latest odds
18:35 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBrighton to win: 8/5
Draw: 15/8
Chelsea to win: 6/5
Odds via Betfair and subject to change
Predicted Chelsea XI
18:30 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneChristopher Nkunku looks set to lead the line at the Amex, with Enzo Maresca confident the Frenchman is ready to step up despite heavy speculation he could be sold in January.
“Against West Ham he played half an hour and hopefully from now on he can more minutes,” Maresca said. “I was with the club altogether, we were sure before the window that Christo was one of the players who are intention was to keep him.”
Chelsea predicted XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Acheampong, Chalobah, Cucurella; Dewsbury-Hall, Caicedo; Neto, Palmer, Sancho; Nkunku
Setting the stage
18:25 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneIt’s the calm before the storm at the Amex Stadium with around 90 minutes to go until kick-off. Expect the stands to start filling up very soon.
Brighton's home form
18:20 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBrighton can’t buy a victory at home. Their last was all the way back in November, though it was a significant one, as they came from behind to topple Manchester City.
Still, it’s five home games without a win for the Seagulls.
Chelsea form
18:15 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneMake no mistake about it, Chelsea’s form has dropped off over the past six weeks or so. Once tipped for an unlikely Premier League title challenge, the season is now very much about securing a top-four finish and doing well in the cup competitions.
The Blues have won three of their last five games across all competitions.
Match officials
18:10 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHere are today's match officials at the Amex Stadium.
Referee: Jarred Gillett
Assistant referees: Darren Cann and Sam Lewis
Fourth official: Stephen Martin
Kit clash
18:05 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneChelsea will be wearing their third kit against Brighton tonight due a clash of colours with the home side.
🖤🩷#CFC | #EmiratesFACup
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 8, 2025
FA Cup results
18:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneFA Cup fourth round results so far with the one shock coming at St Mary’s as Man City come from behind to progress.
Coventry City 1-4 Ipswich Town
Everton 0-2 Bournemouth
Leeds United 0-2 Millwall
Leyton Orient 1-2 Manchester City
Manchester United 2-1 Leicester City
Wigan 1-2 Fulham
Preston 0-0 Wycombe Wanderers (Preston win 4-2 on penalties)
Southampton 0-1 Burnley
Stoke 3-3 Cardiff (Cardiff win 4-2 on penalties)
Fabian Hurzeler on bouncing back
17:55 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHere is what Fabian Hurzeler has said about his Brighton side bouncing back from last weekend’s 7-0 thrashing at the hands of Nottingham Forest.
”We analysed the [Nottingham Forest] game. We were honest to each other. We had a lot of individual talks also, but I think, especially in these moments, it's important to analyse and then find the right conclusions.
“So not to overreact, to stay calm and trust the approach you had before because we're on a good way.“One game shouldn't define our season and shouldn't define our whole team. It's also important to go back to the basics.
“And I think one of our basics is to play with intensity and I think we missed this in the last game. We have to go back to what makes us strong and that's intensity.”
Maresca: Caicedo is the perfect player
17:50 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneAhead of tonight’s FA Cup tie, Enzo Maresca has underlined why Moises Caicedo is such a crucial figure in his Chelsea team.
“Since we started he has been doing fantastic in all aspects,” the Blues head coach said. “He’s improving a lot, he’s understanding the game, he’s going in different positions and he’s open-minded. He’s a good guy, he’s humble, he works hard, so for a coach he is the perfect player.
“He’s playing a lot of minutes, but I think if you compare to other players at Liverpool, Arsenal or Manchester City, there are many players that play more than Moi is playing for us.
“Moi is playing more or less one game a week and at 23 if you cannot play one game a week that means there is something wrong.”
Last time at the Amex
17:45 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneGoals from Cole Palmer and Christopher Nkunku helped Chelsea beat Brighton on their last visit to the Amex Stadium.
Though, the victory was marred slightly with Reece James being shown a red card.
Back in May... 🎈#CFC pic.twitter.com/2F0UgLhROv
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 8, 2025
Hurzeler praises new Brighton signing
17:40 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneFabian Hurzeler has high hopes for Eiran Cashin who joined Brighton last week from Championship side Derby County.
The defender is not cup-tied and is set to be in the squad for tonight’s FA Cup fourth round tie against Chelsea and Hurzeler has been impressed with the 23-year-old's all-round qualities.
“In possession he's a player with a very good left foot, so he can break lines with his passes," the Brighton boss said. "He is very clever when he decides to pass. He doesn't put his teammate under pressure. He always finds a teammate who can continue the game forward and I think that's a special quality. On top of that he is very aggressive against the ball.
"He likes to have personal duels, and he does not hide from making the last step. I knew that the club wanted to have him for a long time. We had the opportunity to sign him and we are all happy.
"The percentage that he will start the [Chelsea] game is not that high, but he will be in the squad and he will be an option."
Brighton vs Chelsea: Head to head (h2h) history and results
17:35 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBrighton wins: 3
Draws: 5
Chelsea wins: 11
Chelsea have won the last four meetings between the two sides, including an entertaining six-goal thriller earlier in the season.
Reporting for FA Cup duty
17:30 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe Brighton squad have arrived at the Amex Stadium ahead of tonight’s FA Cup tie against Chelsea.
Among those spotted, Danny Welbeck, Kaoru Mitoma and former Blues youngster Tariq Lamptey.
Reporting for @EmiratesFACup duty! 🫡 pic.twitter.com/rQxPGl5no2
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) February 8, 2025
Chelsea confirm new Conference League squad
16:03 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneChelsea have added Cole Palmer to their squad for the Conference League knockout stage, but Wesley Fofana and Romeo Lavia have once again been left out.
Clubs are only allowed to make three additions to their squads following the conclusion of the January transfer window and the Blues, who are red-hot favourites for the tournament, have opted to use their other slots on Trevor Chalobah and new signing Mathis Amougou.
Palmer was left out of the squad for the league phase in order to manage his workload, following a remarkable debut season that saw him emerge as Chelsea’s talisman and then go on to play a part in England’s run to the final of Euro 2024.
Brighton look to Europe
15:01 , Alex YoungBrighton reached the FA Cup semi-finals two seasons ago, only being denied a first final appearance since 1983 by a penalty shootout defeat by Manchester United.
It fell to long-time servant Solly March to take what proved the fateful kick, blasting over the bar as United edged through following a goalless draw at Wembley.
With their league form patchy and with a seven-point gap having opened up to the last guaranteed European place, the cup could provide the last opportunity to return to continental competition for just the second time in their history following their run to the Europa League last 16 last year.
Latest match odds
14:15 , Alex YoungThe bookies are predicting a tight affair tonight.
Brighton to qualify: 21/20
Chelsea to qualify: 3/4
Maresca dismisses Joao Felix reports with hint at Chelsea future
12:00 , Alex YoungEnzo Maresca insists he was “absolutely” behind Chelsea’s signing of Joao Felix last summer, despite the forward being sent out on loan just six months into a seven-year contract.
Felix arrived for his second stint in west London last August in a £45million switch from Atletico Madrid, but struggled to break into Maresca’s preferred team during the first half of the season.
Reports have since emerged claiming that the new Chelsea coach had not been immediately sold on the deal and, on deadline day this week, Felix secured a loan move to AC Milan for the remainder of the season.
Speaking on Friday for the first time since the window shut, however, Maresca rubbished the idea that the player had been brought in over his head.
“Absolutely yes,” the Italian said, when asked whether he had wanted to sign Felix last summer. “If Joao was here it’s because I wanted to sign Joao.”
Enzo Maresca warns Chelsea fans over sole January signing Mathis Amougou
10:09 , Alex YoungEnzo Maresca has warned not to expect Mathis Amougou - Chelsea’s sole January signing - to play a significant part in the rest of their campaign, despite the club’s midfield shortage.
Amougou joined the Blues from French side St. Etienne in a £12million deal on deadline day, at the end of what was a quiet window for the club in terms of incomings.
By contrast, six senior players were allowed to leave Stamford Bridge, including midfielders Carney Chukwuemeka and Cesare Casadei. Renato Veiga, the versatile Portuguese defender who had occasionally been used in midfield by Maresca, was also loaned out to Juventus.
Maresca suddenly looks short on options in the middle of the park, having revealed on Friday that Romeo Lavia is still some way off a return from his latest injury.
It means that Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is currently the only fit, senior backup to first-choice pair Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, and Maresca is on record as suggesting he sees the former Leicester man as more of an advanced player.
However, the Chelsea boss insisted that 19-year-old Amougou is being viewed as one for the future.
Maresca hints at Palmer position change after Chelsea injury blows
08:11 , Alex YoungEnzo Maresca has hinted he could turn to Cole Palmer to solve Chelsea’s striker shortage.
The Blues were struck by a double blow when both Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu were injured during Monday night’s 2-1 win over West Ham.
Guiu is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines, and while Jackson’s hamstring issue is not as serious, he is a major doubt for Saturday’s FA Cup tie against Brighton.
Maresca has Christopher Nkunku as a centre-forward option, but has repeatedly said that the Frenchman’s best position is at No10, where he will likely serve as backup to Palmer during the second half of the season now that Felix has left.
Asked who his fit striking options were, Maresca jokingly pointed at himself before raising the intriguing possibility of using talisman Palmer higher up the pitch.
“We have players,” he said. Christo has played already as a nine. I had Cole playing as a nine in the past [in Manchester City’s youth set-up].
“We can find some different solutions. At the moment, we didn’t decide anything because we are still waiting for Nico and from there, we will see different options.”
Standard Sport prediction
Friday 7 February 2025 23:28 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThis is a tough tie to predict. There are usually goals when these two sides meet, just the six in the first-half of the Premier League encounter earlier in the season!
However, with Chelsea facing a striker shortage and Christopher Nkunku not convincing this season, it could be a game where the Blues create a lot of chance but fail to make the most of them.
Now, Brighton are coming off a 7-0 thumping away at Nottingham Forest so an early goal for the visitors might be key. If that happens then Enzo Maresca's side should progress.
Chelsea to win 2-1
Brighton vs Chelsea: TV channel and live stream for FA Cup game
Friday 7 February 2025 19:30 , Jonathan GorrieTV channel: The game will be broadcast on ITV4 which is free to air for UK viewers. Coverage begins at 7.15pm GMT ahead of an 8pm kick-off.
Live stream: ITVX will offer a live stream service.
LIVE coverage: Follow all the action with Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog, featuring expert analysis from Malik Ouzia at the Amex Stadium.
Early Brighton team news
Friday 7 February 2025 16:28 , Jonathan GorrieYasin Ayari, Carlos Baleba and Pervis Estupinan are all doubts for Brighton, while Mats Wieffer and Solly March are not yet ready to feature.
Eiran Cashin could be in line to play. The Seagulls are expected to go strong as they look to bounce back from their 7-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest last weekend.
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