Brighton vs Chelsea Prediction: Blues can edge South Coast thriller

There are a couple of all-Premier League FA Cup fourth-round ties on Saturday and Brighton against Chelsea has been given the top billing after being selected for television coverage (20:00, ITV4). 

Brighton come into the game seeking a response after being thrashed 7-0 at Nottingham Forest in their last league game, while Chelsea came from behind to beat West Ham 2-1 at Stamford Bridge last time out.

Brighton vs Chelsea Odds

Brighton are 2/1 underdogs to clinch the victory that would secure their place in the last 16, with the draw priced at 13/5 and Chelsea 5/4 favourites to win. 

Goals are expected as both teams to score is 1/2, while over 2.5 strikes is on offer at 8/15.

Football Odds

Team News

Brighton have a lengthy injury list with James Milner, Ferdi Kadioglu, Jason Steele and Igor Julio all missing, while Pervis Estupinan, Mats Wieffer, Solly March, Carlos Baleba and Yasin Ayari are rated as doubts. 

Chelsea have no fresh injury or suspension concerns following the win over West Ham, with Omari Kellyman, Romeo Lavia, Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile and Mykhailo Mudryk still unavailable. 

Chelsea to win and both teams to score @ 5/2

Brighton were involved in the battle for Europe not too long ago but back-to-back defeats to Everton and Nottingham Forest mean their top-six chances now look slim, with Albion seven points behind Newcastle in sixth spot. 

That may make a cup run more of a priority, but Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca will be taking this competition seriously as he looks to deliver some major silverware in his first season in charge. 

Both managers should name a strong starting XI for this tie and, on current form, an away win looks more likely than a home success. 

Chelsea have been in mixed form with three wins in their last six games in all competitions, but Brighton's heavy defeat at Forest suggests the Blues could raid the Amex. 

Albion are winless in five at home and could be set for another loss here, but they have scored in 11 of their 14 home games across all competitions and Chelsea have conceded in eight consecutive league games. 

Bet Builder - Christopher Nkunku to score at any time, Moises Caicedo and Lewis Dunk both to be carded @ 22/1

Christopher Nkunku could come into the Chelsea attack on Saturday in place of Nicolas Jackson, who has failed to score in his last eight appearances. 

Nkunku can stake a claim for a more regular role as he does make an impact when he gets the nod, having either scored or assisted in five of his last six starts for Chelsea. 

There were five cards dished out in total when these sides last met in the league in September and players from both sides could end up in the referee's notebook on Saturday. 

Moises Caicedo looks a strong candidate for a booking for the visitors, as he's picked up three yellow cards in his last six games. 

Lewis Dunk is a strong option among the Brighton contingent as he has four yellow cards in 19 Premier League games this term, one of which came at Chelsea.

Offers

Saturday: Build your own Bet Builder bet (3/1+) of 4+ legs on Brighton v Chelsea and get 50% of your stake back in Free Bets up to £5 if you lose. (Credited within 24 hours)

Saturday: We will be Top Price on Chelsea to beat Brighton with selected bookmakers using Oddschecker for the comparison. (Available from 09:30 Saturday)

Place an In-Play single bet of £10 or more at odds of 1/2+ on any FA Cup game on Friday or Saturday and get £5 in Free Bets to use In-Play on Sunday's games. (Credited upon Bet Settlement)

Acca Flex: Place a pre-match 5+ leg Football accumulator and get a CASH bonus up to 100% if all of your selections win or your money back as CASH if one leg lets you down

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