Chelsea team news: Baleba and Ayari doubtful

2025-02-06T13:00+00:00

Carlos Baleba missed last Saturday's game against Nottingham Forest. Fabian Hurzeler says there is 'a chance' he could return on Saturday. 📷 James Boardman.

Our men's first team will be looking to secure their place in the fifth round of the Emirates FA Cup as they take on Chelsea this Saturday at the Amex, kick-off 8pm.

Team news

At his pre-match press conference Fabian Hurzeler reported that midfielder Mats Wieffer is training again, but Saturday's game might be too soon. Asked about the availability of Carlos Baleba, Yasin Ayari - who both missed last Saturday's game against Nottingham Forest - and Pervis Estupinan, Hurzeler said. "They are all doubtful but there might be a possibility that two out of three have a chance to play."

Fabian Hurzeler is looking forward to the first of two games in six days against Chelsea on Saturday. 📷 Paul Hazlewood.

Fabian's thoughts

On bouncing back from Forest… ”We analysed the [Nottingham Forest] game. We were honest to each other. We had a lot of individual talks also, but I think, especially in these moments, it's important to analyse and then find the right conclusions. So not to overreact, to stay calm and trust the approach you had before because we're on a good way.

“One game shouldn't define our season and shouldn't define our whole team. It's also important to go back to the basics. And I think one of our basics is to play with intensity and I think we missed this in the last game. We have to go back to what makes us strong and that's intensity.”

On the FA Cup… ”It's a chance to win a title. Therefore, we try to go all in. It's a do or die game, although we know that we will face a very big opponent who are playing a great season.

“Like I said, it's a do or die game and we proved it this season that we can beat everyone. So we will have a very positive mindset, and we will go into this game full of confidence."

Match facts

Albion have lost each of their last four meetings with Chelsea in all competitions, and the Seagulls have also won just one of their last 11 home matches against the Blues (D3 L7).

Chelsea have progressed from their last two FA Cup ties against Albion, doing so in the 1966-67 fourth round (4-0 via a replay) and the 1972-73 third round (2-0).

Since their promotion to the Premier League in 2017, Albion have won five of their six FA Cup fourth round ties, with the exception being a 3-1 loss at Spurs in 2021-22.

Chelsea have progressed from 25 of their last 27 FA Cup fourth round ties, with the exceptions in this run coming against Everton (2010-11) and Bradford City (2014-15).

Georginio Rutter has been involved in four goals in his last two FA Cup appearances (3 goals, 1 assist), despite playing just 101 minutes across these two games.

Match officials