Brighton & Hove Albion kickstart their FA Cup campaign this season in the third round against Stoke City at the bet365 stadium, with new boss Steven Schumacher hoping to continue a promising start to his tenure.
Should the game end in a draw, a replay will played at the Amex on Wednesday 17 January.
The two sides met in last year’s fifth round, with Evan Ferguson scoring in a 1-0 win on the way to a semi-final appearance for the Seagulls.
Embed from Getty ImagesSince taking over the Potters before Christmas, Schumacher is unbeaten in four games with three draws and one win, Stoke remain 19th in the Championship now seven points clear of relegation.
Previewing the match, Schumacher said: “It’s an exciting day in the calendar. For us to be in the third round now playing a Premier League team, we’re really excited for it.”
When asked about Brighton, he said: “It’s something that a lot of clubs should look to emulate. I’ve been so impressed with them and it’s going to be a tough game.”
Stoke will be without the suspended Jordan Thompson and the injured Josh Laurent and Enda Stevens, Lynden Gooch and Tyrese are doubtful but will be assessed before kick-off.
Brighton’s injury list remains long, and with Kaoru Mitoma and Simon Adingra leaving for international duty, manager Roberto De Zerbi said: “We will play with the best team I can choose”. He confirmed that Evan Ferguson and Jakub Moder will start with Lewis Dunk also returning from suspension.
