Brighton vs Man Utd preview
The FA Cup semifinalists face off against each other again in the Premier League on May 4, 8 PM BST, as Brighton host Manchester United in a game that could have huge ramifications for the race to European qualification.
Manchester United triumphed in a nervy penalty shootout the last time these two sides met in the semifinals of the FA Cup. Since then, both sides have had mixed fortunes in the Premier League. Brighton surprisingly lost at Nottingham Forest before trouncing Wolves 6-0.
Manchester United collapsed against Spurs to draw 2-2 and followed it up with a solid 1-0 win over Aston Villa.
Red Devils have all but sealed their place in next season’s Champions League with a top-4 finish and a win here would solidify their position. Brighton, meanwhile, have games in hand on teams above them and a dream Europa League qualification is still in their hands. Therefore, both sides will go punch-for-punch to make their respective dreams a reality, promising an exciting clash.
Brighton vs Man Utd lineups
Brighton predicted lineup
The Seagulls demolished Wolves in a commanding performance which is more remarkable considering they rested most of their key players. Roberto de Zerbi’s tactics and Brighton’s attacking nous ensured Alexis Mac Allister, Kaoru Mitoma, and Moisis Caicedo weren’t missed.
Also read: Kaoru Mitoma’s thesis in his university days which made him an unstoppable dribbler
This spells bad news for Man Utd. Brighton will come into the game fully fit and ready to avenge their FA Cup loss.
Jason Steele has taken the first-choice mantle from Roberto Sanchez in goal and should continue that. The defence is a no-brainer selection with Adam Webster and Lewis Dunk expected to continue in the middle, flanked by the impressive Pervis Estupinan and Pascal Gross.
The first-choice midfield duo of Mac Allister and Caicedo should also return to strengthen Brighton. Deniz Undav should keep his place in the side after a prolific double against Wolves. Kaoru Mitoma will return too, hoping for a better outing against United than the last time out in the FA Cup SF. Up top should be United Academy graduate, Danny Welbeck, who’s going through a purple patch of form.
Predicted Brighton lineup: Steele, Gross, Webster, Dunk, Estupinan, Mac Allister, Caicedo, March, Undav, Mitoma, Welbeck
Man Utd predicted lineup
Games keep coming thick and fast for Erik Ten Hag’s Man Utd. The fixture pileup has forced the manager to rotate often this season. All their injury worries are long term but it should be worth keeping an eye on the status of Scott McTominay and Alejandro Garnacho. Garnacho, in particular, has started training with the first team and should return soon, if not this game.
Otherwise, not many changes should be expected from the win against Aston Villa in a performance that hugely impressed Ten Hag.
Makeshift CB duo Victor Lindelof and Luke Shaw have been imperious which means club captain Harry Maguire should ride the bench again. Aaron Wan-Bissaka might be recalled after his lockdown performance against Kaoru Mitoma in the FA Cup semifinals. This should mean a return to left-back for Diogo Dalot, with Tyrell Malacia dropping out.
First-choice midfield trio of Casemiro-Eriksen-Fernandes should continue their exploits as they remain unbeaten in 20 games (16 wins, four draws) when they start together.
Antony might be recalled after getting a rest against Aston Villa, leading to Jadon Sancho playing off the left and Rashford continuing as the striker. Anthony Martial’s status should be monitored as well.
Brighton vs Man Utd prediction
A draw would be a better result for Man Utd than Brighton. Therefore, expect Brighton to come out swinging and leverage the home support to overwhelm United in the starting stages.
United will need to ride out the opening minutes and then capitalise on counter-attacking opportunities against Brighton’s attack-minded structure. If Brighton score early, this could be a long 90 minutes for United.
Brighton will throw their all at United, but expect the Red Devils to suffer and earn a creditable draw.
FootTheBall predicts Brighton 1-1 Man Utd.