Here’s our Manchester United Vs Brighton preview, prediction, team news and predicted lineups ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash.
Manchester United Vs Brighton FC Preview
United host Brighton after a remarkable late turnaround against Southampton in midweek.
Ruben Amorim’s side trailed the Premier League’s bottom club after an own goal from Manuel Ugarte.
But Amad Diallo continued his blistering form to score a hat-trick in the final ten minutes, earning United a 3-1 win at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils also knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup on penalties last weekend, after drawing 2-2 with Liverpool at Anfield.
Things are far from perfect under the new Portuguese boss, but Amorim is slowly building a sense of identity into this United team.
Up against them on Sunday are Brighton, who are unbeaten in six across all competitions.
The Seagulls won their own FA Cup third round tie 4-0 at Championship club Norwich City.
Their last defeat was a 3-1 loss at home to Crystal Palace in the Premier League on 15 December.
Fabian Hurzeler’s men sit ninth in the table, five points and three places above United in 12th.
Manchester United Vs Brighton FC Team News
Diogo Dalot is a welcome boost for United. He returns from suspension after his red card against Arsenal.
As a result, Diallo could be pushed further forward after his hat-trick heroics on Thursday.
Luke Shaw is still out, though apparently close to a return. He joins Victor Lindelof (unspecified), Jonny Evans (muscle) and Mason Mount (thigh) on the sidelines.
A poor show from the Red Devils against Southampton until Amad’s late treble means several midweek replacements could be in line for a start.
Joshua Zirkzee in particular impressed when he came off the bench.
For Brighton, they have been buoyed by the return of Rutter, Tariq Lamptey, Joao Pedro and Yankuba Minteh who all featured against Ipswich last time out.
It’s thought that Igor Julio (knee), Ferdi Kadioglu (toe), James Milner (thigh) and Mats Wieffer (thigh) are all going to be out for the weekend, though.
There will also be late assessments for new arrival Diego Gomez, as well as Evan Ferguson (ankle) and Jack Hinshelwood (knee).
Former United striker Danny Welbeck may start against his old club if Pedro is not deemed fit enough to feature from the outset.
Manchester United Vs Brighton FC Predicted Lineups
Manchester United: Onana; De Ligt, Maguire, Martinez; Mazraoui, Eriksen, Ugarte, Dalot; Diallo, Fernandes; Zirkzee
Brighton: Verbruggen; Veltman, Van Hecke, Dunk, Estupinan; Baleba, O’Riley; Adingra, Rutter, Mitoma; Welbeck
Manchester United Vs Brighton FC Prediction
Brighton are in fine form and will be encouraged by United’s mostly woeful display against Southampton.
But having outplayed Liverpool and Arsenal in recent weeks, we think Thursday’s shocker was an anomaly.
Ruben Amorim will not allow is side to play as poorly twice in a row, though Brighton have every chance of nicking this one if United do repeat their midweek form.
Prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Brighton
