Chelsea Eyes Progression in FA Cup Amidst Injury Concerns

The FA Cup fourth round promises excitement as Chelsea gears up to tackle Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium on February 8, 2025. Managed by Enzo Maresca, Chelsea is on a mission, fueled by a smashing 5-0 triumph over Morecambe in their previous FA Cup outing. However, they’ll have to navigate this round without star forward Joao Felix, who has swapped his Chelsea blue for AC Milan’s colors during the transfer window, leaving a palpable gap in their attacking lineup.

Injuries paint a challenging picture for Chelsea, with Marc Guiu sidelined due to a longstanding injury. Question marks hover over Nicolas Jackson, who is still grappling with a stubborn hamstring issue. Mykhailo Mudryk adds to the uncertainty, currently under provisional suspension following a failed drugs test. Additionally, midfield and defense are stretched thin with Romeo Lavia, Wesley Fofana, and Benoit Badiashile, all watching from the sidelines with long-term injuries.

The spotlight is on Christopher Nkunku, who has stepped up to spearhead the attack. With transfer rumors swirling, Maresca has underlined Nkunku’s readiness to shoulder the responsibility and lead on the front line.

Brighton Hopes for Redemption at Home

On the other side of the pitch, Brighton seeks redemption under the watchful eye of manager Fabian Hurzeler. The Seagulls faced a harsh reality with a crushing 7-0 loss to Nottingham Forest but have since shown resilience with a comfortable 4-0 victory against Norwich City in the same tournament’s third round.

Brighton’s recent form at home hasn’t been stellar, as they have struggled to clinch victories at the Amex since November. With a back-to-back schedule against Chelsea, including a league matchup on the horizon, Hurzeler has rallied his troops for an aggressive and spirited showing against their Premier League rivals.

This clash promises to be a tactical battle, with Chelsea aiming to enforce their dominance over Brighton, hoping to cement another victory in their head-to-head encounters.

Football fans won’t want to miss this face-off, as ITV4 and ITVX bring the action live to UK audiences. Coverage kicks off at 7:15 pm GMT, setting the stage for a thrilling 8 pm kickoff. Both teams are at a pivotal point in their seasons, and this match might just be the catalyst they need to turn the tides in their favor.