Norwich vs Brighton FA Cup Preview
- Brighton to win
- Over 2.5 goals
Norwich City and Brighton & Hove Albion face off at Carrow Road in the third round of the FA Cup, with both sides eager to make a statement in the competition.
Norwich will hope to leverage their home advantage, while Brighton aim to snap their winless streak and advance past their lower-league opponents.
Norwich City: Mixed Fortunes but Renewed Confidence
Norwich’s campaign has been marked by inconsistency, but recent results suggest they are regaining form.
After a run of four matches without a win, the Canaries have gone unbeaten in their last four outings, claiming victories against Millwall, Luton, and Coventry, while drawing with QPR.
Borja Sainz has been a revelation for Norwich this season, leading the Championship scoring charts with 15 goals.
However, the Spanish winger is currently enduring a goal drought, failing to find the net in his last eight appearances. Norwich will need him to rediscover his scoring touch to boost their chances against Brighton.
Injury concerns for Norwich include Anis Ben Slimane, Gabriel Forsyth, Jacob Lungi Sorensen, Joshua Sargent, and Liam Gibbs, limiting their squad depth.
Key Player to Watch
- Borja Sainz: The Championship’s top scorer has the potential to turn the tide for Norwich, and a strong performance could make the difference.
Brighton & Hove Albion: Quality Amidst a Slump
Brighton have endured a tough period, slipping from fourth to 10th in the Premier League standings. They are winless in their last eight games across all competitions, drawing six and losing two, including a 3-2 EFL Cup defeat to Liverpool.
Despite their struggles, Brighton possess significant quality, with players like Kaoru Mitoma, Joao Pedro, and Pervis Estupinan capable of delivering match-winning moments.
Mitoma, however, has also experienced a dip in form, failing to contribute to a goal in his last seven appearances.
Injuries to Danny Welbeck, Evan Ferguson, and several others leave Brighton slightly shorthanded, but their squad depth remains superior to Norwich’s.
Key Player to Watch
- Kaoru Mitoma: Known for his flair and creativity, Mitoma will be eager to break his own poor run and help Brighton progress in the FA Cup.
Head-to-Head Record
- Brighton have the edge in their last 10 meetings, winning three times compared to Norwich’s two wins, with five matches ending in draws.
- The last two encounters between the sides ended goalless in the Premier League (2021-22).
- Norwich have not beaten Brighton in any competition since July 2017.
Tactical Insights and Key Battles
Norwich’s Home Form vs Brighton’s Quality
Norwich’s recent resurgence at Carrow Road gives them confidence, but they face a Brighton side capable of dominating possession and creating chances. Norwich’s defense, led by Shane Duffy and Jose Cordoba, will need to be disciplined to contain Brighton’s attack.
Sainz vs Mitoma
Both teams will look to their wide players to make an impact. Sainz and Mitoma are critical to their sides’ attacking play, and whichever winger can impose themselves more effectively could swing the result.
Midfield Duel
Norwich’s Nunez and Marcondes will battle Brighton’s dynamic midfielders like Baleba and Ayari. The ability to control the midfield will be crucial for transitioning between defense and attack.
Prediction
Norwich’s home advantage and recent form give them hope, but Brighton’s superior quality across the pitch is likely to shine through. The Seagulls have been unlucky not to win in recent games, and this tie could mark their turnaround.
Predicted Score: Norwich City 1-3 Brighton & Hove Albion
Final Thoughts
This FA Cup clash pits a rising Championship side against a Premier League team seeking redemption.
While Norwich will rely on their home support and in-form players like Borja Sainz, Brighton’s overall depth and individual brilliance make them favourites. Expect an engaging encounter as both sides vie for a place in the fourth round.