Sheffield United vs Brighton: Preview, Team News, Lineups, H2H, Prediction, Odds and Telecast

Sheffield United vs Brighton Match Preview

• Tournament – FA Cup fourth round
• Date – Friday, January 27
• Kick-off Time – 08:30 pm IST
• Venue – Bramall Lane

Sheffield United have struggled this season since their promotion to the Premier League. They have lost 15 of their 21 league games, won just twice and drawn four. With just 10 points, the Blades sit rock bottom of the league standings and look likely to return to the Championship next season.

They also sacked Paul Heckingbottom earlier this season and replaced him with Chris Wilder. While Wilder’s return has arguably seen some improvement in their performances, results have been hard to come by for Sheffield.

They did, however, beat Gillingham 4-0 away in the FA Cup third round and will face Brighton & Hove Albion in the fourth round.

Brighton have had to handle European football for the first time and have done decently. They are eighth in the Premier League and topped their UEFA Europa League group, reaching the Round of 16.

Despite their injury concerns, Roberto de Zerbi’s side have performed well and beat Stoke City 4-2 away in their FA Cup third-round clash.

Team News

Sheffield United are without Chris Basham and Tom Davies due to their respective injuries. John Egan is also likely to stay out for the Brighton clash while Daniel Jebbison could return to the squad.

Meanwhile, Rhian Brewster will be suspended following his red card in their 2-2 draw against West Ham United.

For Brighton, Ansu Fati, Julio Enciso, Kaoru Mitoma, Simon Adingra, and Tariq Lamptey remain out due to injuries. Solly March, Igor, and Joel Veltman will have to be assessed before the Sheffield game.

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Predicted Lineups

Sheffield United:

Goalkeeper: Bart Verbruggen
Defenders: Pervis Estupinan, Lewis Dunk, Jan Paul van Hecke
Midfielders: Adam Lallana, Pascal Gross, Billy Gilmour, Jack Hinshelwood
Attackers: Joao Pedro, Evan Ferguson, Facundo Buonanotte

Brighton:

Goalkeeper: Wesley Foderingham
Defenders: Jayden Bogle, Anel Ahmedhodzic, Jack Robinson, Auston Trusty
Midfielders: James McAtee, Gustavo Hamer, Vinicius Souza, Andre Brooks, Ben Brereton Diaz
Attackers: William Osula

Head-to-Head

Brighton haven’t won a single of their five encounters against Sheffield across competitions so far. The Blades have won twice while three have been draws.

Last five results:

• Brighton 1-1 Sheffield United – Premier League – November 12, 2023
• Sheffield United 1-0 Brighton – Premier League – April 25, 2021
• Brighton 1-1 Sheffield United – Premier League – December 20, 2020
• Sheffield United 1-1 Brighton – Premier League – February 22, 2020
• Brighton 0-1 Sheffield United – Premier League – December 21, 2019

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Prediction

Sheffield have really struggled this season but their recent performances have shown signs of improvement. They are unbeaten in their last two games, beating Gillingham 4-0 before playing out a 2-2 draw against West Ham.

Brighton have lost once in their last eight games across competitions – a 2-0 defeat at Arsenal. Before facing Sheffield, they will host Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League on Monday, January 21.

Barring any major injury/suspension in the Wolves clash, Brighton should beat Sheffield to progress further in the FA Cup.

Predicted Score: Sheffield United 1-3 Brighton

Odds (subject to change)

Sheffield United win – 5.80

Manchester City win – 1.68

Draw – 4.40

Odds source – Oddspedia.com

Sheffield United vs Brighton Players to Watch Out For

Sheffield United

New signing Ben Brereton Diaz will be the player to watch for for Sheffield United against Brighton. The Chilean winger has joined the Blades on loan from Villarreal until the end of the season this January.

Diaz scored in their 2-2 draw against West Ham and put up a good performance overall. He linked up well with James McAtee and the partnership is only expected to improve further.

Manchester City

For Brighton, Joao Pedro is likely to be the player to watch out for again. The Brazilian forward has been in scintillating form, netting four goals and providing one assist in the last three games.

Overall, he’s scored 15 goals and provided two assists in 28 games across competitions for Brighton this season.

Pedro can also operate on the left wing and with Kaoru Mitoma absent, he will be a big goal threat against Sheffield.

Sheffield United vs Brighton Where to Watch

• India – Sony Sports, Sony Liv
• UK – BBC and ITV
• US – ESPN