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FA Cup Showdown: 11 Predicted Lineups & Tactical Keys For Brighton & Hove Albion Vs Southampton F.C. (January 2026)

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The fierce rivalry between South Coast clubs Brighton & Hove Albion and Southampton F.C. is set to reignite in a high-stakes FA Cup Third Round clash on Monday, January 12, 2026. This fixture is particularly compelling because it pits a well-established Premier League side, Brighton, against a Southampton team currently battling in the Championship, having returned to the second tier after the 2023–24 campaign. The cup draw offers a rare opportunity for the Saints to test their mettle against top-flight opposition, while the Seagulls must navigate a potentially tricky tie against a highly motivated local rival.

Anticipation is building around the tactical approach and, crucially, the starting XIs that both managers will select for this televised encounter. With both clubs aiming for a deep cup run, the team news, injury updates, and predicted lineups are the most vital pieces of information for fans and analysts alike. This article dives deep into the most likely starting formations, key player entities, and the tactical battles that will define the outcome of this pivotal match.

The Predicted Starting Lineups for the FA Cup Third Round (January 12, 2026)

The FA Cup often brings rotation, but given the cross-league nature of this South Coast derby, both teams are expected to field strong, near-full-strength sides. The fixture, scheduled for a Monday night kick-off, is a crucial moment in the 2025/2026 season for both clubs.

Brighton & Hove Albion: The Premier League XI (4-2-3-1)

Brighton, in their ninth consecutive Premier League season, will look to dominate possession and control the tempo. Their predicted lineup reflects a commitment to fluid, attacking football, even with potential cup rotation for a few key positions. The team’s core strength lies in its dynamic midfield and high-pressing defense.

  • Goalkeeper: Bart Verbruggen (Expected to start over Jason Steele for a major cup tie).
  • Right-Back: Tariq Lamptey (Pace and overlapping runs will be key).
  • Centre-Back: Jan Paul van Hecke (A strong aerial presence and ball-playing ability).
  • Centre-Back: Lewis Dunk (The veteran captain, essential for leadership and organisation).
  • Left-Back: Ferdi Kadioglu (Known for his attacking threat from the flank).
  • Defensive Midfield: Billy Gilmour (The deep-lying playmaker to dictate tempo).
  • Defensive Midfield: Carlos Baleba (Energy and ball-winning capacity).
  • Right Wing: Kaoru Mitoma (His unpredictable dribbling is a constant threat).
  • Attacking Midfield: João Pedro (The number 10 role, linking midfield and attack).
  • Left Wing: Simon Adingra (Speed and directness on the left).
  • Striker: Evan Ferguson (The main goal threat, crucial for finishing chances).

Brighton Key Entities: Bart Verbruggen, Jan Paul van Hecke, Lewis Dunk, Ferdi Kadioglu, Billy Gilmour, Carlos Baleba, Kaoru Mitoma, João Pedro, Evan Ferguson, Tariq Lamptey, Simon Adingra.

Southampton F.C.: The Championship Challengers (3-4-3)

Southampton's predicted formation, potentially a 3-4-3, suggests a tactical plan focused on counter-attacking speed and solidity through the middle. This formation allows them to match Brighton's midfield numbers while providing width in attack.

  • Goalkeeper: Aaron Ramsdale (A major signing, his shot-stopping will be vital).
  • Centre-Back (Right): James Bree (Versatile defender who can also play wide).
  • Centre-Back: Jan Bednarek (Experience and aerial dominance at the heart of the defence).
  • Centre-Back (Left): Taylor Harwood-Bellis (A strong, modern ball-playing centre-back).
  • Right Midfield/Wing-Back: Kyle Walker-Peters (Expected to bomb forward and provide width).
  • Central Midfield: Lesley Ugochukwu (A powerful presence in the engine room).
  • Central Midfield: Joe Aribo (Creativity and drive from midfield).
  • Left Midfield/Wing-Back: Ryan Manning (A reliable source of crosses and set-piece delivery).
  • Right Forward: Ryan Fraser (Pace and directness on the wing).
  • Left Forward: Che Adams (The main striker, tasked with holding up the ball and finishing).
  • Centre Forward: Mateus Fernandes (Expected to play a supporting forward role).

Southampton Key Entities: Aaron Ramsdale, James Bree, Jan Bednarek, Kyle Walker-Peters, Lesley Ugochukwu, Joe Aribo, Ryan Manning, Ryan Fraser, Che Adams, Mateus Fernandes, Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

The Tactical Battleground: Midfield Dominance and Key Duels

The outcome of this FA Cup tie will likely be decided in two main areas: the midfield battle and the individual duels on the flanks. Brighton’s system relies on intricate passing and positional play, while Southampton will look to disrupt this rhythm and exploit the space left behind by Brighton's high defensive line.

The Engine Room Clash: Gilmour vs. Ugochukwu

Brighton’s Billy Gilmour is the orchestrator, constantly seeking to receive the ball and launch attacks. His duel with Southampton’s Lesley Ugochukwu will be pivotal. Ugochukwu, a powerful midfielder, will be tasked with pressing high and preventing Gilmour from settling into his rhythm. If Southampton can win this battle, they can starve Brighton’s attackers of service and force long, uncomfortable passes. The performance of Joe Aribo, providing the creative spark for the Saints, will also be an important factor.

The Wing Wars: Mitoma vs. Manning/Walker-Peters

Brighton’s wings are their primary attacking outlets, particularly through Kaoru Mitoma and Simon Adingra. Southampton’s wing-backs, Ryan Manning and Kyle Walker-Peters, face the daunting task of containing these electric wingers while still providing their own attacking threat. The ability of the three Southampton centre-backs (Bednarek, Bree, Harwood-Bellis) to cover the wide areas when the wing-backs push up will be a major tactical challenge. This is where the game could open up, leading to high-scoring action.

Form, History, and The High Stakes of a South Coast Derby

While the focus is on the current lineups, the history between these two South Coast clubs adds significant weight to the fixture. The last few encounters have been keenly contested, with results often swinging both ways, making the head-to-head record a true reflection of a derby. Southampton's last major league win against Brighton dates back to a period before the Seagulls' recent Premier League rise, though cup games always introduce an element of unpredictability.

Recent Form and Momentum

As the match approaches in January 2026, the current form of both teams will be critical. Brighton, despite being in the Premier League, may have a packed festive schedule, potentially leading to fatigue. Southampton, while playing in the Championship, will see this FA Cup tie as an ideal opportunity to build momentum for their promotion push. A victory over their Premier League rivals would provide a massive psychological boost for the rest of their season.

The FA Cup Factor and Managerial Intentions

For Brighton, the FA Cup represents their most realistic chance of major silverware. The manager will be under pressure to deliver a performance that secures passage to the Fourth Round, especially against a team from a lower division. For Southampton, the FA Cup is a chance to make a statement. The selection of a strong side, featuring key players like Aaron Ramsdale and Che Adams, confirms the club's intent to take the competition seriously.

The cross-league nature of the tie means that the tactical discipline and mental fortitude of the Championship side will be tested to the limit. If Southampton can maintain their defensive shape and capitalise on their few chances, they have a genuine opportunity for an upset. However, Brighton's quality, particularly in attack, means they remain the favourites to progress, provided their predicted midfield and forward entities fire on all cylinders.

Topical Authority Entities: Premier League, Championship, FA Cup Third Round, South Coast Derby, Tactical Analysis, Possession Football, Counter-Attacking, Set-Piece Delivery, Goalkeeper, Centre-Back, Wing-Back, Attacking Midfield, Striker, Rotation, Momentum, Upset, American Express Stadium, St Mary's Stadium.

FA Cup Showdown: 11 Predicted Lineups & Tactical Keys for Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton F.C. (January 2026)
brighton & hove albion f.c. vs southampton f.c. lineups
brighton & hove albion f.c. vs southampton f.c. lineups

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