WIN and you’re in.
That’s effectively what’s at stake for Manchester United as the Red Devils travel to Brighton looking to all but confirm a place in the Champions League next season.
BRIGHTON VS MAN UTD BETTING PREVIEW: ODDS AND PREDICTIONS
Three points at the Amex would take United seven points clear of Liverpool in fifth, with Jurgen Klopp’s side having just four games left to play, one fewer than Erik ten Hag and Co.
It would also put the Red Devils 14 points clear of the Seagulls, who have games in hand on every other team challenging for Europe.
Tonight’s clash is a rematch of the FA Cup semi-final from just 11 days ago.
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And Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton will be out for revenge after the heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat at Wembley.
Although De Zerbi himself is a doubt for the game after he was forced to cancel yesterday’s press conference through illness.
There is added motivation for the hosts as a win would secure a first ever league double over the Red Devils.
The Seagulls, under Graham Potter, won 2-1 at Old Trafford on the opening day of the Premier League season in what was Ten Hag’s first competitive game as Red Devils boss.
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United have come a long way since then, but the Amex has not been a happy hunting ground for the club in recent years.
The Red Devils have lost three out of their last five Premier League games there.
But the chance to all but confirm a return to the Champions League after a season in the Europa League should provide plenty of motivation for the visitors.
What is their form like?
The hosts bounced back from the 3-1 defeat at Forest by crushing Wolves 6-0 last time out.
United meanwhile have won four out of their last five Premier League games, and are unbeaten in that period.
Who will be the star men?
Marcus Rashford remains the main man for the Red Devils, and if he scores tonight it will be his 30th goal of the season in all competitions.
He has struck 16 times in the Premier League, and will be eyeing the 20 goal mark with six Prem games left to play.
Kaoru Mitoma has taken the Premier League by storm since establishing himself as a starter just before the World Cup.
He has ten goals and seven assists in all competitions, but has not scored or registered an assist in his last five games.
What have the managers said?
De Zerbi cancelled his press conference on Wednesday due to illness.
Ten Hag meanwhile said the Seagulls will have “huge motivation” to exact revenge on the Red Devils for the FA Cup semi-final defeat.
The United boss said on Wednesday: “I think everyone who is involved in top sport, if you get beaten you want to have revenge, and that is normal.
“They have a huge motivation to beat us but we have to match that. Not only match that, we have to do more.
“We have to show more, that we have more hunger than them to win this game. I think willingness, that is the word for tomorrow.”
SunSport prediction
There isn’t much between these two sides, especially with Brighton as the home team.
Forget the nervy affair at Wembley – this one could have goals.
Prediction – 2-2 draw.
When is Brighton vs Man United?
- Brighton vs Man United will take place on Thursday, May 4th.
- Kick-off will be at 8pm UK time.
- The Amex Stadium will play host.
What channel is Brighton vs Man United on and can it be live streamed?
- Brighton vs Man United will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event/Sky Sports Premier League.
- Sky Sports subscribers can live stream Brighton vs Man United via the NOW app which is free to download on to your mobile or tablet device.
- Alternatively, you can follow SunSport’s live blog for all the latest updates from the Amex.
Team news
For Brighton Evan Ferguson will be assessed ahead of the game, with the striker having been out of action since April 15.
Joel Veltman is also unlikely to be fit after coming off in the 6-0 win over Wolves.
The Seagulls will definitely be without the likes of Adam Lallana (thigh), Tariq Lamptey (knee), Jeremy Sarmiento (ankle) and Jacob Moder (knee).
For United, Donny van de Beek (knee), Tom Heaton (ankle), Raphael Varane (ankle), Alejandro Garnacho (ankle) Scott McTominay and Lisandro Martinez will be unavailable for the trip to Brighton due to injury.
Odds
- Brighton – 1/1
- Draw – 27/10
- Man United – 12/5
*Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and are correct at the time of publication.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
