The Seagulls fly up north this weekend to face Sheffield United in the FA Cup. When the two sides met in the Premier League this season, a red card and an own goal prevented Brighton from picking up three points, as the tie ended 1-1.
Sheffield United
Since the return of Chris Wilder, the Blades have become a much more difficult team to play against. However, they’re still without a win in their last five Premier League games and sit at the bottom of the table with just two wins from 21 matches. Sheffield United are also the lowest scorers in the league with 17, while conceding the most as well, 51.
Last time out in the FA Cup, the Blades put four past League Two outfit Gillingham, with goals from William Osula and James McAtee securing the 4-0 win. They also looked much more dangerous and confident during the 2-2 draw versus West Ham at the weekend, where they had 21 shots and 2.51 xG.
Brighton
Brighton’s season has been impressive considering they’re balancing European competition with domestic demands for the first time, but they have still lacked consistency. The Seagulls are currently seventh in the Premier League, scoring 38 goals while conceding 33.
The Seagulls played out a consecutive 0-0 draw in the Premier League on Monday night, as they were held by stubborn Wolves. But in truth, it was a game of missed chances, with both teams registering over one xG. In between those draws was the 4-2 FA Cup win over Stoke City, with a penalty and an own goal making it a more difficult task than originally anticipated.
Verdict?
On paper, Brighton should progress through to the next round, but that performance at the weekend set the standard for the Blades.
Given how much joy they found in attack against West Ham, they could score this weekend against Brighton, who have kept two clean sheets all season in the league.
The final prediction is Sheffield United 1-2 Brighton.
