Stoke City and Brighton & Hove Albion will collide this week in the fifth round of this season’s FA Cup.
Stoke Form GuideWhile they may have spent some time outside of the top flight, Stoke City will be hoping this cup run could serve as some kind of inspiration for a brighter future. If nothing else, this is the kind of fixture that’s bound to bring some fans back to the ground - which is something they’ve sorely been lacking as they linger around midtable in the Championship.
Stoke were given a pretty decent warm-up in the third round as they took Hartlepool apart 3-0. They didn’t struggle too much in the fourth, either, knocking another three past Stevenage.
Brighton Form GuideWhat a season this continues to be for Brighton. The Seagulls may have had some changes behind the scenes, but it’s done nothing to distract what what they’re achieving on the pitch. They are operating at a level whereby it’d be somewhat surprising if they don’t qualify for Europe, and beyond that, challenge for the FA Cup trophy.
After battering Middlesbrough 5-1 in the north, Brighton returned home to welcome the challenge of Liverpool. In the end, it wasn’t much of a challenge at all with a late winner sending them through.
Latest Team NewsPowell is confirmed to be out of action for this one through injury with Tuanzebe set to be assessed before kick-off.
As for Brighton, Moder and Lallana are both out through injury with Estupinan, Welbeck and Colwill being doubts.
Match PredictionStoke’s one-dimensional style of play has always caused teams problems but when you put that up against the fantastic, exciting form of the visitors, it really does pale in comparison. We’re going to back Brighton to win this and, eventually, make their way to Wembley.