Fabian Hürzeler’s side faces a grueling ten-day road trip, culminating in a daunting double-header against the Premier League champions amid a relentless run of difficult cup draws.
Brighton and Hove Albion's next Carabao Cup opponents have been confirmed, and perhaps it isn't quite the news that Seagulls fans would have hoped for as the final whistle blew last night.
The Albion will travel back to Manchester to face the Cityzens in back-to-back games after the draw this evening.
It was a very impressive evening last night, though. Many Albion fans are finally starting to understand just how good and effective Fabian Hürzeler's ball can be.
It has taken its time, and he certainly hasn't been gifted with lucky draws in cup competitions!
Albion are set to spend 10 days on the road, as they'll face:
- Jablonec (A), 22nd October
- Liverpool (A), 25th October
- Man City (A), 28th October
- Man City (A), 31st October
- Getafe (A), 5th November
A staggering record, as for the seventh time, Albion are drawn away from home in successive cup ties.
Even when they return home, only three days later, the Seagulls will face the tricky Brentford on the 7th of November.
It isn't just the fact that they are away from home, but also all against tough opponents, and in quick succession.
In Albion's last five cup draws, they have drawn Man City, Man United, Liverpool, Man United, and Arsenal... all away from home.
To make things even crazier, their last four years of draws have included the following:
Carabao Cup:
- Arsenal (A), 2022, 4th round
- Chelsea (A), 2023, 3rd round
- Liverpool (H), 2024, 4th round
- Arsenal (A), 2025, 4th round
- Man United (A), 2026, 3rd round
- Manchester City, 2026, 3rd round
FA Cup:
- Tottenham (A), 2022, 4th round
- Liverpool (H), 2023, 4th round
- Chelsea (H), 2025, 4th round
- Newcastle (A), 2025, 4th round
- Forest (H), 2025, Quarter-Final
- Man United (A), 2026, 3rd round
- Liverpool (A), 2026, 4th round
Without trying to sound like an insane conspiracy theorist, this record is absolutely incredible. These games are in the opening rounds of the competitions, a point where almost any professional club could be drawn against Albion in the entire country.
Regardless, Albion will have to go to the Etihad and get a result if they wish to continue to compete in all competitions this season. A win there would be something truly special, but looking at the schedule, it could be a tough run for Fabian Hürzeler's side.
