This weekend, the Premier League takes a backseat as the FA Cup fourth round takes centre stage. One of the standout fixtures features two top-flight teams, Brighton and Chelsea, both eyeing this competition as a legitimate opportunity for silverware.
Chelsea remain firmly in contention for Champions League qualification and still hold an outside shot at challenging Liverpool for the title. Meanwhile, Brighton will be looking to bounce back from a humbling 7-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest last weekend. Fabian Hürzeler’s side remains in the hunt for a European spot and will view the FA Cup as a viable path to success this season.
This clash is scheduled for an 8pm kick-off on Saturday, making it the headline evening fixture. Let’s break down the betting odds as part of this BHA vs CFC FA Cup preview before deciding on our betting tips.
Match Odds
All three possible outcomes offer odds-against prices with the bookies and Chelsea enter as the slight favourites. Here are the best available odds from the leading, top-rated bookmakers:
- Chelsea to win: 13/10
- Brighton to win: 2/1
- Draw (90 minutes): 27/10
Since FA Cup ties must be decided on the night, a separate ‘To Qualify’ market is also available, covering extra time and penalties:
- Chelsea to qualify: 3/4
- Brighton to qualify: 11/10
Chelsea currently sit fourth in the Premier League, nine points and six places above Brighton. However, both sides have identical Premier League form, taking eight points from their last six matches. Given Brighton’s home advantage and the unpredictability of cup competitions, this could be a closely contested 90 minutes — potentially requiring extra time or even penalties to determine the winner.
Goal Scorer & Side Markets
Predicting first goalscorer markets in FA Cup ties can be tricky due to possible lineup rotations. However, here are the leading contenders to open the scoring:
- Cole Palmer (Chelsea): 5/1
- Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea): 13/2
- João Pedro (Brighton): 7/1
- Christopher Nkunku (Chelsea): 15/2
- Marc Guiu (Chelsea): 15/2
- Danny Welbeck (Brighton): 15/2
For those looking for higher-value picks, Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton) and Noni Madueke (Chelsea) are both available at 10/1.
Other Popular Markets
- Both Teams to Score (BTTS – Yes): 1/2
- Both Teams to Score (BTTS – No): 7/4
- Over 2.5 Total Goals: 1/2
- Over 3.5 Total Goals: 11/8
- Under 2.5 Total Goals: 31/20
For scoreline bettors, some intriguing correct score options include:
- Chelsea to win 2-1: 17/2
- Brighton to win 2-1: 17/2
- 1-1 Draw: 13/2
BHAFC vs CFC Predictions & Betting Tips Verdict for this FA Cup Preview
Team selection will play a crucial role in determining the outcome. Chelsea rotated heavily in the previous round against Morecambe, with key players like Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson starting on the bench. While Brighton pose a far greater challenge, Enzo Maresca may still prioritise the league, leading to potential changes.
Brighton, on the other hand, have fewer distractions and will be eager to respond after last weekend’s thrashing. Given their recent struggles, however, Chelsea’s superior squad depth could give them the edge.
With that in mind, this preview is backing Chelsea to win in 90 minutes. Given Brighton’s likely defensive adjustments after their heavy defeat, Under 2.5 Goals also looks like a strong bet.
Best Bets
- Chelsea to win at 6/5 (Bet365, Betfred)
- Under 2.5 Goals at 6/4 (Bet365, Betfred)
These selections apply to the result in regulation time only, excluding extra time and penalties.
Matt Harris is a football & golf writer for Just Bookies. Other sports in his portfolio of specialities include cricket. Matt has contributed to innumerable large organisations and media brands. These include: Betfair, BetVictor, USA Betting & Unibet. 