FA Cup quarter-finals: Millwall v Brighton betting preview, tip & TV details

BBC1, 2pm Sunday

Successive Premier League victories have given Brighton licence to focus on landing a first FA Cup semi-final berth for 36 years and Chris Hughton's men can end Millwall's marvellous cup run.

Despite their unconvincing Sky Bet Championship endeavours, the Lions are not to be written off in this competition.

They have swatted aside the last five top-flight outfits to visit the Den, with their latest victims Everton losing 3-2 there in the fourth round.

But for all Brighton's exciting international talent, the core of their team - Glenn Murray, Dale Stephens, Lewis Dunk and Shane Duffy - know how to grind out a result at an intimidating ground.

The Seagulls have not lost at Millwall since 2007 and they enjoyed a huge confidence boost with victory at another south London venue last week.

Brighton's 2-1 win over Crystal Palace not only meant they did the double over their bitter rivals this campaign but it also moved them five points clear of the Premier League drop zone.

• 2018-19 FA Cup results and stats
• Premier League standings and stats
• Sky Bet Championship standings and stats

Their survival mission is far from complete but the breathing space, coupled with an upcoming international break, means Hughton is able to field his strongest side.

The same cannot be said for the hosts. Neil Harris will have to make do without the cup-tied Ben Thompson and Ben Marshall and their attacking threat is minimised further by the potential absence of top-scorer Lee Gregory.

The Lions chalked up a surprise win at Birmingham on Wednesday but they lost the shot count 12-6 and had just 38 per cent possession.

Both of Thompson's goals in the 2-0 win came from quick counter-attacking moves, which are unlikely to work against a deep and disciplined Brighton back line.

Prior to that game, Millwall were on a run of four consecutive defeats and their hopes of survival are hindered by the fact that they face promotion-chasing trio Leeds, West Brom and Sheffield United in three of their next four matches.

The visitors have already seen off strong Championship units West Brom and Derby in this competition this term and two of their three FA Cup wins have come on the road, where they are steadily improving.

A lot was made of their reliance on home form last season but they have already won more away league games this season (three) than last year (two).

Brighton will be missing attacking outlets Florin Andone and Pascal Gross, but they have the blend of mental resilience and Premier League quality to dilute Millwall's home advantage and progress to the last four.

Recommendation
Brighton
1pt 5-4 Betway

Bet on this match at Soccerbase.com

Team news
Millwall
Striker Lee Gregory is being assessed after a tight calf forced him off against Birmingham. Ben Thompson and Ben Marshall are cup-tied and Murray Wallace is suspended.

Brighton
Yves Bissouma is banned. Florin Andone and Pascal Gross are sidelined but Leon Balogun has recovered from a shoulder concern.

Key stat
Millwall are winless in their last five home league matches.

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