Anthony Knockaert and Jurgen Locadia score in fifth-round victory over Brighton
Sunday 17 February 2019 18:18, UK
Chris Hughton hopes Brighton's run to the FA Cup quarter-finals will help their bid for Premier League survival.
Anthony Knockaert and Jurgen Locadia scored in the first half as Brighton beat Derby 2-1 to reach the last eight for the second season in a row.
Their only three victories this year have been in the FA Cup, while in the league they have won just one of their last 11 matches to slip down the table to 14th and are now only three points above the relegation zone.
"I am hoping the momentum of this cup run can push us on in our league form," said Brighton manager Hughton after the win over Derby.
"We haven't been that bad in terms of level of performance but the last three games we picked up one point. The most important thing at the moment is getting the points we need."
Yves Bissouma was one of Brighton's standout players against Derby and Hughton said the midfielder, who was signed in the summer from Lille, showed his "quality".
"He is a very talented young player that is still adjusting to the game here and the competitiveness of the game here, but he has played in Premier League games and I thought today he was very good and showed his quality.
"Great participation in the goals that we scored and these games will all be good for him."
Hughton also explained his decision to make eight changes for the match.
"It's not about resting players, it's about managing the squad.
"Every game we have played it wasn't automatic that certain players were going to play. It's a decision I have made before each game. It might be a different decision next game."
Brighton lost 2-0 to Manchester United at the quarter-final stage last season but there will only be a maximum of two top-six Premier League sides in the last eight.
The draw takes place on Monday evening and Hughton is hoping for a home tie.
"I don't just want to talk about ourselves because there is no doubt that you have the top six then a group of other teams that are still in it and I would see us in that other group.
"I am really delighted to go through, for the team and the club, and of course everybody in my position would be after a home tie. The chances of us going further in the competition, it's all about home or away and the tie you get, and the performance when you get there.
"All you can ask at the moment is that we are through and we hope some of this momentum can take us through a difficult time in the league."
