Brighton & Hove Albion vs Chelsea Prediction and Betting Tips

The upcoming FA Cup fourth-round clash between Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea is set to be an intriguing encounter, with both teams eager to advance in the competition. Scheduled for Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 8:00 PM GMT at the Amex Stadium, this match promises to deliver excitement for football fans and bettors alike.

Recent Form and Performance

Brighton enters this fixture on the back of a mixed run of form. In their last five competitive matches, the Seagulls have secured three wins, one draw, and suffered one defeat. Notably, their recent 1-0 home loss to Everton has raised concerns about their attacking efficiency. Over these five games, Brighton has scored eight goals while conceding five, highlighting both their offensive capabilities and defensive vulnerabilities.

Chelsea, on the other hand, has experienced a season of highs and lows under manager Enzo Maresca. Their recent 2-1 victory over West Ham United, achieved through a second-half goal by Pedro Neto and an own goal by Aaron Wan-Bissaka, was only their second win in the last eight Premier League matches. This inconsistency has been a point of concern for the Blues.

Head-to-Head Record

Historically, Chelsea has held the upper hand in this fixture. In the last 19 meetings between the two sides, Chelsea has emerged victorious 11 times, while Brighton has managed three wins, with five matches ending in draws. The goal difference stands at 37-23 in favor of Chelsea. Notably, Chelsea has won the past four encounters against Brighton, including a 4-2 victory at Stamford Bridge in September 2024.

Team News and Injuries

Brighton is grappling with several injury concerns ahead of this match. Key players such as James Milner, Igor Julio, Mats Wieffer, Pervis Estupiñán, Solly March, Carlos Baleba, Ferdi Kadıoğlu, and Yasin Ayari are expected to be sidelined due to various injuries. This could significantly impact their squad depth and tactical options.

Chelsea also faces its share of injury woes. Benoît Badiashile, Wesley Fofana, Roméo Lavia, Gabriel Slonina, and David Datro Fofana are unavailable for selection due to injuries. These absences, particularly in defense, could pose challenges for manager Enzo Maresca as he strategizes for this crucial cup tie.

Betting Odds and Predictions

The betting markets currently favor Chelsea as the potential victors in this encounter. Odds for a Chelsea win are around 2.2, while a Brighton victory is priced at approximately 3.0, and a draw at 3.84. Given both teams’ attacking prowess, the “Both teams to score: Yes” market is also appealing, with odds around 1.48.

Betting Tips

1. Chelsea to Win: Considering their superior head-to-head record and recent performances against Brighton, backing Chelsea to secure a victory in regular time appears to be a prudent choice.
2. Both Teams to Score (BTTS: Yes): Both teams have demonstrated offensive strengths and defensive weaknesses in recent matches. This suggests that both sides are likely to find the back of the net during the game.
3. Over 2.5 Goals: Historically, fixtures between these two teams have been high-scoring affairs. Given their current form, betting on over 2.5 goals in the match could offer value.

Conclusion

The FA Cup clash between Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea is shaping up to be an exciting and closely contested match. While Chelsea holds a historical advantage and is favored by bookmakers, Brighton’s resilience and home advantage cannot be underestimated. Bettors should consider current form, head-to-head statistics, and injury news when making informed decisions. As always, it’s essential to gamble responsibly and consider all factors before placing bets.