Brighton vs West Brom preview: Baggies travelling in big numbers for FA Cup away day

Brighton boss Chris Hughton insists the racism row between Gaetan Bong and Jay Rodriguez is very much in the past ahead of the FA Cup clash with West Brom.

Seagulls full-back Bong alleged he was racially abused by Baggies striker Rodriguez during a Premier League match at The Hawthorns in January of last year.

The charge was found to be "not proven" by the Football Association, although the governing body said it was satisfied Bong's complaint was "made in absolute good faith".

Rodriguez is in line to face Bong and Brighton for the first time since the incident during Saturday's fourth-round tie at the Amex Stadium.

"There have been issues before and we are all very conscious of that," said Hughton.

"But that was something in the past, I think it has to be that way.

"It was dealt with by the FA, I would have to say very, very well."

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The Baggies have already sold around 3,200 seats for the trip to the Amex Stadium. Boss Darren Moore wants his team to continue their positive mood on the road following their win at Bolton.

He said: "We look forward to the game down there, we're taking a large following of away support again, so credit them, it is greatly felt.

"Special recognition again to the 900 or so supporters that travelled up to Bolton on a Monday night.

"It's credit to them and that affects us going through because we're taking a large following away."

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Team news

Hughton confirmed that Yves Bissouma (hip) is in the frame to make his return after returning to training.

Jose Izquierdo (knee) remains sidelined through injury, while Maty Ryan and Alireza Jahanbakhsh remain at the Asian Cup.

West Brom duo Matt Phillips (ankle) and James Morrison (calf) are both doubtful for the clash.

Opta stats

• This is the first ever FA Cup meeting between Brighton and West Bromwich Albion.
• Brighton have won their last three home matches against West Brom, all league matches in 1991, 1993 and 2017.
• Brighton are unbeaten in their last 10 home FA Cup matches against sides from outside the Premier League (W6 D4) since losing 1-2 to Mansfield Town in January 2008.
• West Brom have been eliminated from nine of their last 11 FA Cup ties against Premier League sides, though they did beat Liverpool in the fourth round last season.
• Brighton manager Chris Hughton faced West Brom in the FA Cup fourth round in 2009-10 as Newcastle boss, losing 2-4 at the Hawthorns.

Merson's prediction

West Brom have more important things to worry about in the Championship while Brighton are in a position to give the cup a good go. If I was Chris Hughton I would be going all out to stay in this competition - keep their season going. I think they will make it through.

PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0 (7/1 with Sky Bet)

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