Sheffield Utd vs Brighton prediction: ENGLAND: FA Cup betting tips on match 2024-01-26 15:00.
Although they could only manage a draw last Sunday in the Premier League against West Ham United, Sheffield United’s sharing of the spoils with the Irons would have felt more like a win as Oli McBurnie netted a 103rd-minute equaliser – the latest goal ever scored in the competition’s history. Even with that dramatic ending at Bramall Lane, the Blades remain seven points adrift of safety, so a weekend of FA Cup action could come as a welcome break for Chris Wilder’s side.
In the previous round, United dispatched League Two Gillingham 4-0, but the visit of Brighton will prove a much tougher proposition. However, given that Sheff Utd have reached the quarter-final stage or better in three of the past four campaigns, confidence should be high ahead of this fixture, especially as the hosts are without defeat across the last seven H2Hs (W4, D3).
Brighton extended their unbeaten run to five competitive matches (W2, D3) on Monday with a 0-0 draw at home to Wolves, though head coach Roberto De Zerbi admitted that his depleted squad have been dropping too many points of late. Much like their opponents here, the East Sussex side may enjoy the distraction of the FA Cup as they look to go one better than last season’s semi-final appearance.
Under their Italian boss, Brighton have enjoyed playing in this competition, as highlighted by their return of 17 goals in his six such games in charge. Each of the three away FA Cup encounters that he has overseen with the Seagulls have also ended in victory, which includes a 4-2 win at Championship side Stoke City in the third round.
Players to watch: Ben Brereton DĂaz netted on his full Sheffield United debut at the weekend and he interestingly opened the scoring in the last FA Cup game held at Bramall Lane, albeit it was whilst playing for Blackburn in last season's quarter-final. Brighton’s Evan Ferguson relishes FA Cup action, having struck three times in four appearances in the competition last term.
Hot stat: Six of Brighton’s last eight FA Cup matches have witnessed over 2.5 goals scored.