Michael Owen makes bold FA Cup prediction for Brighton against Blackpool

Michael Owen believes Albion will be boosted by their victory at Leeds

Graham Potter's men maybe struggling at the wrong end of the Premier League table but they were boosted last Saturday with a well-deserved 1-0 victory at Leeds.

Brighton will be without Aaron Connolly (hamstring), Adam Lallana (illness), Danny Welbeck (knee), Alireza Jahanbakhsh and Tariq Lamptey (hamstring).

Potter also confirmed goalkeeper Jason Steele, who was the penalty shootout hero in their win over Newport in the previous round, will miss the game through illness.

Blackpool, who beat Premier League's West Brom in the third round, could hand a debut to striker Ellis Simms at the Amex Stadium. The 20-year-old this week joined the Sky Bet League One side on loan from Everton.

Midfielder Grant Ward (tight hamstring) and striker Bez Lubala (ankle) will be assessed after each reporting minor problems following last Saturday’s draw with Hull.

Winger CJ Hamilton and forward Keshi Anderson remain sidelined for the foreseeable future due to hamstring injuries.

Owen though feels Brighton could well have too much for Neil Critchley's visiting Blackpool team on the day.

Jason Steele saved four penalties for Brighton in their shootout victory at Newport

"Blackpool took the scalp of Premier League side West Brom in round three," wrote Owen in his Bet Victor predictions blog. "They will be aiming for back-to-back triumphs against Brighton.

"Unfortunately for Blackpool, Brighton have just hit a bit of form. Last week’s away win against Leeds was a welcome result and one that could give the Seagulls a massive boost.

"They’ve played excellent football at times this season, and if they can start converting in front of goal, a cup run wouldn’t be out of the question.

"With that in mind, I’m siding with the home side to be in the draw for the next round."

Michael Owen prediction: Brighton 2-0 Blackpool