[Sassy Colin]

We don’t need to play prime Barcelona to lose. That’s kind of the point. We can lose to a team 13th in La Liga. Brighton are significantly better than Sevilla who we failed to beat in 2 games.

They are beatable yes. But we are arguably more beatable than they are at the moment. Especially with our decimated defence.

At Old trafford I’d always fancy us. Anywhere else, you can flip a coin and hope for the best

This means 1 in 10, our defence is rather more than decimated.

 

[bosnian_red]

So Bruno, Eriksen and Casemiro are yet to lose a match when they have started together, albeit a draw isn’t necessarily enough to get to the final…

That's like that "Varanez Martinez and casemiro haven't conceded from open play" stat that was making the rounds before the Liverpool game.

 

[Devil81]

Really deflated after Thursday night, part of me wishes the season was over so we can continue to sell off the not needed losers that keeling dragging down our team when rotated in.

ETH has basically had to run his first choice side into the ground because the options from the bench are absolutely useless.

Then there is the prospect of a proper hiding in the Fa cup final to add to our pain. I'd never not want us to win but it certainly doesn't seem an exciting prospect playing City.

 

[always_hoping]

Hoping for a response to Thursdays horror show.

I'm expecting Brighton to dominate possession but if United can get their match ups right, show the required intensity and be clinical with chances created a win is more than possible.

Best of luck to Manchester United today.

 

[The Corinthian]

Then there is the prospect of a proper hiding in the Fa cup final to add to our pain. I'd never not want us to win but it certainly doesn't seem an exciting prospect playing City.

I don't understand sentiments like these - sure they're a hard to beat side, but our record is probably up there with Spurs and Liverpool's in terms of getting results against them.

Since Pep's been around - we've played them 18 times.

They've won 9, we've won 7, with two draws. It's not a great record, but it shows we're certainly capable of getting a result.

 

[UTAretro]

I don't understand sentiments like these - sure they're a hard to beat side, but our record is probably up there with Spurs and Liverpool's in terms of getting results against them.

Since Pep's been around - we've played them 18 times.

They've won 9, we've won 7, with two draws. It's not a great record, but it shows we're certainly capable of getting a result.

This. Plus the occasion is a leveller. I’ve seen Manchester United sides “turn up” out of nowhere and do spectacular things for decades.

Some Brighton fans, when we have been struggling at the bottom of the league, have been actually wishing we’d go down to the Championship so we’d win more games.

I just don’t understand this way of thinking personally. Every football club wants to play at the highest level possible and finish as high as possible in the highest league. It’s the entire ethos in competitive sport.

If you win today, it’s another final for you - another occasion and you’d have a fair crack at another trophy.

 

[Salfordlad70]

This. Plus the occasion is a leveller. I’ve seen Manchester United sides “turn up” out of nowhere and do spectacular things for decades.

Some Brighton fans, when we have been struggling at the bottom of the league, have been actually wishing we’d go down to the Championship so we’d win more games.

I just don’t understand this way of thinking personally. Every football club wants to play at the highest level possible and finish as high as possible in the highest league. It’s the entire ethos in competitive sport.

If you win today, it’s another final for you - another occasion and you’d have a fair crack at another trophy.

That’s a good post. I fully agree.

 

[Shark]

I think we'll see a big response from Sunday and we'll pull through and win this. Especially with Rashford back.

 

[sunama]

Haven't been more sure of a loss all season.

That was my feeling against Sevilla.
Not sure why people are so sure of losing this one.
We are on a neutral ground against a team below us in the league, we have Bruno and possibly Rashford back.
I think we'll win.

Sevilla was a nailed on loss against a home team who are near unbeatable at home and specialise in winning the EL trophy.

 

[ColvaleGoa]

I don't understand sentiments like these - sure they're a hard to beat side, but our record is probably up there with Spurs and Liverpool's in terms of getting results against them.

Since Pep's been around - we've played them 18 times.

They've won 9, we've won 7, with two draws. It's not a great record, but it shows we're certainly capable of getting a result.

I don't think it's the number of losses. It is the manner that scars us. When we catipulate we are asking for a hammering. Don't want the season to end on a bitter taste of hammering from City . Especially if have to go on and watch them do the unthinkable.

 

[sunama]

We don’t need to play prime Barcelona to lose. That’s kind of the point. We can lose to a team 13th in La Liga. Brighton are significantly better than Sevilla who we failed to beat in 2 games.

1, we are weak team away
2, Sevilla have an excellent home record
3, Sevilla are specialists at winning the EL trophy.
4, we were missing Bruno in that 2nd leg and they drew the tie at OT, after Bruno came off.

Brighton are below us in the league and we are playing at neutral ground.

There is a HUGE different between the Sevilla and Brighton games.

 

[Fabio Rochemback]

If we win it'll be a lucky smash and grab in all likelihood

 

[RaddyRed]

I think we will win this comfortably this afternoon. Expecting a response from the players. Its when we are favourites to win or playing in a difficult atmosphere that some of our squad have a tendency to wet the bed.

 

[RuudTom83]

Attack will need to win today as the defence is patched together...Brighton will score, it will be down to how many United can get.

 

[United Hobbit]

Really scared for this

If we play like Thursday it could be an absolute hiding.

The other problem is you'd hope for a reaction from the players but we are forced to have to use those who have proven time and time again they can't be trusted and should be shipped out

Also the thought of having to watch WW stink the place out because Tony being injured again isn't inspiring. I'd rather do a false 9, or use Rashy as striker (if he's not fully fit that will be a bit easier role for him too)

Ooh just realised Harry is suspended, a small amount of hope returns

You'd think there would be a reaction like there was after the Liverpool disgrace but there's too many players who can't be trusted, the injury crisis is bad and the back up options are well below the required standard

We also seem to find Brighton a challenge the last few seasons

Obviously I'd love for us to win a trophy but if I had to pick between losing to Brighton or losing to City it would be Brighton

 

[kidbob]

Park the bus and play on the counter. Our defence can't be trusted without our 2 starting centre halves.

 

[United Hobbit]

Who do we think will play CB? I'd imagine Shaw was going to but is injured again. Casemiro?

 

[Borys]

I am pessimistic because I don't think the classic midfield Erik chooses will be strong enough for Brighton. Probably makes sense to see more of Fred but that is very unlikely based on last 2 months.

 

[Samid]

Who do we think will play CB? I'd imagine Shaw was going to but is injured again. Casemiro?

What?

 

[Tom Van Persie]

Martial starts.

Tweet

— Twitter API (@user) date

 

[United Hobbit]

What?

Pretty sure he went off in mid week after limping

 

[United Hobbit]

Martial starts.

Tweet

— Twitter API (@user) date

Hmmm how long will be stay on for though... Tony do not make me endure Wout

 

[sepulturite]

Pretty sure he went off in mid week after limping

He's been training, he'll be fine

 

[Berbaclass]

Tweet

— Twitter API (@user) date

 

[RedDevilRoshi]

Martial starts.

Tweet

— Twitter API (@user) date

For how long?

 

[JustinC00]

It's

Rashford-Martial-Antony
----------------Bruno
-------Casemiro-Eriksen
Dalot-Shaw-Lindelof-AWB
---------------DDG

 

[Berbaclass]

DDG

AWB
Linelof
Shaw
Dalot

Casemiro
Eriksen

Antony
Bruno
Rashford

Martial

 

[bosnian_red]

DDG

AWB
Linelof
Shaw
Dalot

Casemiro
Eriksen

Antony
Bruno
Rashford

Martial

Yup sounds like it's this. Happy with that. Need that back 4 to really show up though.

 

[Dempsey19]

Fully expect Casemiro to pop up with a goal today. Don't know why but I've that feeling.

 

[theatreofdreams777]

Eriksen or Fred to start? It should be Fred IMO but will be Eriksen I feel.

 

[Berbaclass]

Eriksen or Fred to start? It should be Fred IMO but will be Eriksen I feel.

It's Eriksen

 

[Judas]

Hopefully we get a big response after the shameful performance on Thursday.

 

[Jeffthered]

It's the front four... that's the key. We really need them to have a big, big game. If the front four work like crazy, we will win, because it will open up the park for our midfield three.

I'm actually glad that Fred etc are availble to come on, as Brighton are a lively, energetic team.

 

[PoTMS]

Fully expect Casemiro to pop up with a goal today. Don't know why but I've that feeling.

Hopefully he decides to turn up. He's been on the beach for the last few months either through suspension or poor form.

 

[Tom Van Persie]

Tweet

— Twitter API (@user) date

 

[Idxomer]

We will win.

 

[mu4c_20le]

Thats a bit strong for my taste

 

[Berbasbullet]

Tweet

— Twitter API (@user) date

Hopefully that's the side, strong 11 that.

 

[pauldyson1uk]

Tweet

— Twitter API (@user) date

We are not losing with that team,

 

[Tom Van Persie]

Thats a bit strong for my taste

You want us to lose?