FAC: Brighton v Crystal Palace preview
Brighton v Crystal Palace preview
Crystal Palace will look to progress past the FA Cup third round for the fifth consecutive season when they travel to Brighton on Monday evening in the first competitive fixture to trial video assistant refereeing (VAR) technology.
After the uncertainty in the opening months of the season, Roy Hodgson's side head into the game in decent form, having lost just once in four games over the festive period - including a goalless draw with Manchester City.
But they will be forced to travel to the south coast without Chelsea loanee Ruben Loftus-Cheek - who Hodgson declared he wanted to sign on Friday afternoon - as the midfielder has a knock.
Brighton, meanwhile, have not progressed past the fifth round since they lost to Manchester United in the 1982/83 final, but are looking to reach the fourth round for the second season in succession.
And Chris Hughton's men should feel confident in their chances, having lost just once since mid-December, recording three clean sheets in those five games.
Hughton has no fresh selection problems ahead of Monday's clash.
Central midfielder Steve Sidwell, who has not featured this season, remains Albion's only absentee due to a back injury.
Hughton has confirmed he will rotate his squad for the third round tie against their bitter rivals, with defender Connor Goldson and midfielder Beram Kayal, who have each made limited appearances this campaign, expected to play, along with out-of-favour midfielder Jiri Skalak.
Crystal Palace's Yohan Cabaye has been passed fit to start at Brighton but manager Hodgson is expected to name a weakened team for the third-round fixture.
The midfielder was substituted at half-time at Southampton on Tuesday because of fatigue, but will not join Joel Ward (groin), Mamadou Sakho (calf), Connor Wickham, Scott Dann and Jason Puncheon (all knee), as an absentee.
Jairo Riedewald, Bakary Sako, Patrick van Aanholt and Damien Delaney are among Palace's fringe players pushing to start.