The Football Association (FA) Cup fourth-round draw has set the stage for an intriguing clash between Premier League rivals Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion. The match, scheduled for February 7, 2025, at Brighton’s Amex Stadium, promises a captivating encounter between two teams vying for progression in the prestigious tournament. Chelsea secured their spot in the fourth round following a victory against Morecambe at Stamford Bridge. Their history in the competition is rich, boasting eight FA Cup titles, the latest of which came in 2018 with a 1-0 victory over Manchester United, courtesy of an Eden Hazard penalty. Now, they face a test against a resilient Brighton side, setting the scene for a potentially thrilling contest.
The FA Cup fourth-round draw has presented a diverse array of matchups, featuring clashes between Premier League giants, Championship contenders, and lower-league hopefuls. Manchester United will host Leicester City in a battle between two former Premier League champions, promising an exciting encounter at Old Trafford. Leeds United will face the winner of the Millwall versus Dagenham & Redbridge replay, offering a potential upset for the lower-league side. Preston North End or Charlton Athletic will welcome Wycombe Wanderers, while Exeter City, representing League One, will aim to cause an upset against Premier League side Nottingham Forest. These varied matchups underscore the FA Cup’s inherent unpredictability and its potential for captivating David versus Goliath narratives.
The draw continues with several intriguing ties. Coventry City will face off against Ipswich Town in an all-Championship affair, while Blackburn Rovers will host Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers. Mansfield Town or Wigan Athletic will welcome Fulham, while Birmingham City have been drawn against Newcastle United in a Premier League versus Championship clash. Plymouth Argyle will have the daunting task of hosting Liverpool, and Everton will face Bournemouth in another all-Premier League encounter. These matches offer a blend of potential upsets and intriguing battles between teams from different divisions, adding to the excitement surrounding the fourth round.
The remaining fixtures offer more compelling storylines. Aston Villa will clash with fellow Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur, while Southampton will take on Burnley. Leyton Orient or Derby County will host the reigning champions, Manchester City, providing a potential upset opportunity for the lower-league side. Doncaster Rovers will face Crystal Palace, and Stoke City will battle Cardiff City in another all-Championship tie. These matchups showcase the FA Cup’s ability to pit teams from different tiers against each other, creating a unique and unpredictable tournament atmosphere.
Chelsea’s history in the FA Cup is a testament to the club’s enduring success in English football. Their eight titles place them among the most decorated clubs in the competition’s history. From their first triumph in 1970 to their most recent victory in 2018, Chelsea has consistently demonstrated their ability to compete at the highest level in the FA Cup. Their upcoming clash against Brighton represents another opportunity to add to their impressive legacy in the competition and continue their pursuit of another FA Cup title.
The FA Cup, with its rich history and tradition, continues to capture the imagination of football fans across the country. The fourth-round draw has set the stage for a captivating set of fixtures, featuring a blend of Premier League clashes, potential upsets, and intriguing battles between teams from different divisions. As teams prepare for their respective matches, the anticipation for the fourth round continues to build, promising another exciting chapter in the FA Cup’s storied history.
