Eight victories and just two losses in 12 games across all competitions (D2) for Wolverhampton Wanderers means that spirits are high at Molineux, with manager Gary O’Neil looking to mastermind a route through to just their second FA Cup quarter-final in 21 years. To achieve that feat, the Englishman will need to end Wolves’ five-match winless H2H run against upcoming opponents Brighton & Hove Albion (D1, L4) which includes a 4-1 defeat the last time that these two teams met in the West Midlands.
However, their most recent meeting at any venue was a goalless draw in the Premier League just last month, while Wolves have scored at least twice against all four clubs that they’ve come up against in both domestic cups so far this season. Additionally, on the last seven occasions when O’Neil’s side have grabbed the opener, they’ve gone on to win so an early breakthrough could prove vital here.
Compared to Wolves, Brighton have enjoyed more success in the FA Cup recently, reaching the semi-finals both last year and in 2018/19. Two losses in 11 (W5, D4) underlines how difficult the Seagulls are to face, but frustratingly for manager Roberto De Zerbi, his side now haven’t recorded back-to-back victories since late November.
If you want to watch an entertaining team away from home, Brighton might be one to consider following as their five games on the road since a 0-0 draw at West Ham United have each produced at least three goals. With the UEFA Europa League participants sticking five past Sheffield United on two separate occasions and four past Stoke City in that time, as well as being thrashed 4-0 by Luton Town, you never truly know what you’re going to get from De Zerbi’s side.
Players to watch: Pablo Sarabia has become a regular starter for Wolves, justifying his place in the side with the winner against Sheffield United on Sunday – his tenth goal involvement out of 12 to come at Molineux this term. Despite being a centre-back, Lewis Dunk popped up with his fourth goal of the campaign at the weekend – three of which have been assisted by Pascal Groß.
Hot stat: Five of Brighton’s last six matches have seen a goal scored after the 80th minute.
