[Lucky McLuckerson]

..................VS....................

Date: Sunday, May 19 2024
Kickoff Time: 1600 Hrs BST
Venue: Falmer Stadium, Brighton and Hove

League Standings And Form Guide

8. Manchester United: WDLLW
10. Brighton & Hove Albion: LLWDL


Previous League Meetings

Manchester United 1—3 Brighton & Hove Albion

Brighton & Hove Albion 1—0 Manchester United

Manchester United 1—2 Brighton & Hove Albion

Brighton & Hove Albion 4—0 Manchester United

Manchester United 2—0 Brighton & Hove Albion


All-Time League Record

Manchester United wins: 12
Brighton & Hove Albion wins: 7
Draws: 2


Pre-Match Pressers

Erik ten Hag




Roberto De Zerbi





Team News

Manchester United

Tyrell Malacia, Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelöf, Harry Maguire and Mason Mount ruled out. Raphaël Varane and Anthony Martial doubtful.


Brighton & Hove Albion

Solly March, Evan Ferguson, Jack Hinshelwood, Pervis Estupiñán, Kaoru Mitoma, James Milner and Jan Paul van Hecke ruled out. Joël Veltman and Lewis Dunk doubtful.


Know The Opposition

Brighton & Hove Albion (nicknamed The Seagulls and Albion) are a professional football club based in Brighton & Hove. The club was first formed as Brighton & Hove United on 24 June 1901, and the name was quickly changed to Brighton & Hove Albion. The club took the place of a defunct club, Brighton & Hove Rover, in the Southern League In the Southern League they won their only national honour to date, the FA Charity Shield, by defeating Football League Champions Aston Villa in 1910. There had previously been Old Brightonians, representing the area in the FA Cup in the 19th Century. The club initially played at the Hove County Ground, with a few games were also at Goldstone Ground that was used by Hove F.C. From 1902 onwards, Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. and Hove F.C. shared the Gladstone Ground. In 1920, 19 years after the club was formed, they were elected to the Football League's new Third Division.

Mismanagement brought Brighton close to relegation from the Football League to the Conference which they narrowly avoided in 1997 and 1998. A boardroom takeover saved Brighton from liquidation, and following successive promotions they returned to the second tier of English football in 2002, from then on playing in the second and third tiers of English football until the conclusion of the 2016-17 season, where the club earned promotion to the Premier League for the first time in their history, marking the end of a 34-year absence from the top flight. Bighton's fans consider Crystal Palace to be their biggest rival with matches between them termed the M23 derby, and they play their home games at Falmer Stadium.


Referee

Craig Pawson.


Familiar Faces

Danny Welbeck (2008—14)

 

[thisisnottaken1]

A bit more confident for this than I was before tonight’s game.

Our record at the Amex is absolutely pants though, so I wouldn’t be surprised by a loss.

 

[Bwuk]

I’d like to see us play with Bruno as high as he did tonight. Having two upfront with himself and McTominay basically gave us much more of an outlet.

Martinez to start if fit enough to get minutes ahead of the cup final.

Onana
AWB - Casemiro - Martinez - Dalot
Amad - Amrabat - Mainoo - Garnacho
Bruno - Hojlund​

 

[dejans]

So 8th it is.
I would give a chance to fringe players and youngsters.
Bayindir for sure deserves this one.

EDIT:
My bad. We are level on points with Newcastle.
Full strenght. We go for 7th!

 

[always_hoping]

Newcastle are away to Brentford and are likely to drop points so a win for Man United here could mean 7th place finish and it's up for debate if it's better to be in the conference league than having no European football next season.

Players playing for their FA Cup final places so will be interesting to see how much game time Martinez will get? Ten Hag said Varane might be back.

 

[Todd]

Newcastle are away to Brentford and are likely to drop points so a win for Man United here could mean 7th place finish and it's up for debate if it's better to be in the conference league than having no European football next season.

Players playing for their FA Cup final places so will be interesting to see how much game time Martinez will get? Ten Hag said Varane might be back.

Throw this match to avoid the Conference League, then win the cup final to get into the Europa

 

[gajender]

Throw this match to avoid the Conference League, then win the cup final to get into the Europa

Why would you throw any match anyway and if we are Winning FA Cup to get into Europa then result against Brighton is redundant whether we win or lose.

 

[Todd]

Why would you throw any match anyway and if we are Winning FA Cup to get into Europa then result against Brighton is redundant whether we win or lose.

Because if we LOSE the cup final, do we really want to face the prospect of competing in the Conference League?

The best outcome from our current circumstances is beating City and getting into the Europa.
The second best outcome is missing out on Europe entirely.
The worst outcome from here is being stuck in the Conference League next season.

 

[BorisManUtd]

Only doubts are CB spots. Martinez played 10-15 minutes tonight so could get some at Brighton as well. Is Kambwala ready? Varane, Lindelof? Maguire obviously not yet. Evans should definitely not start this one to remain fresh for the final.

 

[Vidyoyo]

Bit unfair we're playing against two teams here

 

[always_hoping]

Throw this match to avoid the Conference League, then win the cup final to get into the Europa

Not sure about throwing the match but certainly players need resting to have them right for the FA Cup final, one I'm thinking is Garnacho looked out on his feet tonight.

 

[Fallon d'Floor]

United players won't want to get injured ahead of The FA Cup final, while Brighton will want to win their last home game of the season after losing at home tonight.

I'd expect a draw at best.

 

[Marcus]

This seems a good opportunity to get a good look at a De Zerbi team when they seem to have lost some form? An audition of sorts as to whether he is a possible United manager candidate?

 

[LDUred]

Lisandro needs to start this one to give him a chance of making the cup final. Hopefully 70 mins and then bring on Kambwala.

Want to see Amrabat continue as no 6 instead of Case. He is better in duels.

 

[Insanity]

Tired of getting outplayed and losing to them. I want a win.

 

[OldTrevil]

Not saying Brighton is at the same level, but this will be a good dress reheaesal for the City game as they are also a team that will look to dominate the ball and positional play.

Also, another chance to watch Welbz play is always welcome, smart player.

 

[Wednesday at Stoke]

3-0 loss incoming with Welbeck, March and Gross getting their yearly goal quotas against us.

 

[Bertie Wooster]

Because if we LOSE the cup final, do we really want to face the prospect of competing in the Conference League?

The best outcome from our current circumstances is beating City and getting into the Europa.
The second best outcome is missing out on Europe entirely.
The worst outcome from here is being stuck in the Conference League next season.

To answer the first question, yes, I'd much prefer us to play in and win the Conference League than miss out on Europe altogether.

The best outcome is to win the FA Cup and quality for Europa League, sure. But that's mainly because it means we beat City and win a trophy. Being in the second rather than third European competition is better, but far less significant than actually winning the FA Cup.

I equate the three European competitions to the three domestic ones - CL / PL, Europa League / FA Cup, Conference League / League Cup. I always want us to take the League Cup seriously and enjoy us winning it, despite it being the third ranked domestic title. And I'd feel the same about the Conference League. It might only be third in the ranking, but it's still a valid trophy to be played for and to win. And if we won it, we'd also be guaranteed EL minimum next season should we find ourselves in a similar battle as this season in the league.

 

[Bertie Wooster]

Not sure about throwing the match but certainly players need resting to have them right for the FA Cup final, one I'm thinking is Garnacho looked out on his feet tonight.

Had we lost yesterday, sure. But no way we start resting players 'for the final' when the hard fought win has kept the European battle alive and made the last round of matches significant.

We might well bring Rashford in for Garnacho if we feel the youngster is looking tired and effecting his performance, while Rashford could benefit from game time on his comeback. But that kind of change could happen any time. We shouldn't, and I expect won't, be making any other changes based on 'saving them for the final' now that this game actually means something in terms of European qualification.

 

[dejans]

Newcastle are away to Brentford and are likely to drop points so a win for Man United here could mean 7th place finish...

And if we score 20+ goals.

EDIT:
We are level on points now. My bad.

 

[Bertie Wooster]

So 8th it is.
I would give a chance to fringe players and youngsters.
Bayindir for sure deserves this one.

We're level on points with Newcastle so need to better their result away at Brentford. If they win, then that's it. But if they draw, a win gets us 7th. If they lose, even a draw gets us 7th. No way are we picking fringe players and youngsters for a match after our win over Newcastle has kept European qualification possibility alive.

 

[tomaldinho1]

We're level on points with Newcastle so need to better their result away at Brentford. If they win, then that's it. But if they draw, a win gets us 7th. If they lose, even a draw gets us 7th. No way are we picking fringe players and youngsters for a match after our win over Newcastle has kept European qualification possibility alive.

Isn’t it better for us to avoid Europe now? The Swiss ramble tweet re finances made out it’s actually better to miss the conference league completely if we can’t get EL.

Either way I hope he rests as many as possible for the final, only way we win is if we can outwork them.

 

[Tincanalley]

Any other players back? Might we have a defence for the last match of the season?

 

[Bertie Wooster]

Isn’t it better for us to avoid Europe now? The Swiss ramble tweet re finances made out it’s actually better to miss the conference league completely if we can’t get EL.

Either way I hope he rests as many as possible for the final, only way we win is if we can outwork them.

I can see the reasoning about financially better, help us with a rebuild, etc, as regards missing out on Europe. But, personally, I always want to see us in Europe and think the EL or Conference League would be handy for helping us rebuild by hopefully gaining momentum with some wins, and giving younger / squad players game time at some points along the way when possible.

If we hadn't beat Newcastle, and the last game was irrelevant, then I'd 100% agree on fully focusing on the cup final with team selection. But I really can't see us resting players having put in such a good performance to beat Newcastle and keep the final game relevant for European qualification. I hope we go there looking to build on the last two performances and trying to guarantee some form of Euopean football next year.

 

[diarm]

I’d like to see Mainoo and Garnacho get a rest for this one. Save them for the Cup Final.

Play Amad on the right and Rashford if he’s fit enough to start on the left. Otherwise let Forson or Shoretire play out there.

Hopefully Martinez is fit enough to start, then I’d play Amrabat, McTominay and Bruno in the midfield. Get Mount involved if he’s fit and then give Casemiro the last half hour in the middle ahead of the final.

 

[Chaky_Best]

We absolutely need to rest some players for the final, avoid injuries and also manage game time for other.

I'd rather finish 8th in the league, only have a game per week rathere than go to Conference.

Also in terms of team strategy, with many players leaving, we would have a smaller squad if we just play PL next season.

I would swap Licha at the 60th
I would play Rashford the last 20/25 mins too.
And I would remove also Hojlund the last 30/35 mins too.

----------------------------------------------------------Onana------------------------------------------------------------
Wan Bissaka----------------------Kambwala-------------Licha------------------------------------Amass
---------------------------------------------------------Amrabat---------------------------------------------------------
Amad--------------------------------Mc Tominay-----------Erisken---------------------------------Anthony
-----------------------------------------------------------Hojlund-----------------------------------------------------------

 

[Gordon S]

Would love a win here. Tired of seeing them play us off the pitch with their cute little passing triangles.
Their current form doesn`t seem great so i think we have a decent chance this time

 

[Fallon d'Floor]

Newcastle are away to Brentford and are likely to drop points so a win for Man United here could mean 7th place finish and it's up for debate if it's better to be in the conference league than having no European football next season.

Players playing for their FA Cup final places so will be interesting to see how much game time Martinez will get? Ten Hag said Varane might be back.

7th isn't a guaranteed European place though? 5th and 6th are. The League Cup and FA Cup determine the other European spots.

I can see both Newcastle and United drawing.

 

[Ali Dia]

2-2 draw. Bloodbath on here. Tight cup final close but no cigar. You can’t just turn it on and off. City are a better team than us, better organised and harder working all over the park. Hopefully some fresh blood and enthusiasm will raise the mood and the level of football next year.

 

[BorisManUtd]

Another win would be important in building confidence for the final but you'd think some players won't play/start the game to remain fresh for City so it'll be difficult to get a result on Sunday.

Rest Dalot, Mainoo, Garnacho. Start Kambwala-Martinez CB pairing if it's not too soon for them.

After last night Brighton are the only PL team ten Hag has failed to beat so far. This could be his last chance.

 

[SuperiorXI]

We're due to give them a good kicking, I reckon we'll do them 4-2 or something.

 

[always_hoping]

7th isn't a guaranteed European place though? 5th and 6th are. The League Cup and FA Cup determine the other European spots.

I can see both Newcastle and United drawing.

7th is conference league for Man United if don't win the FA Cup. 8th and lose the cup final to City and will be no European football next season.

 

[joedirt87]

we had a solid performance full of energy mid week so my usual expectation with this team following that is a lethargic slog.

 

[LawCharltonBest]

Comfortable 2-0 win. De Zerbi is a league 2 level manager, Guardiola groupie, with a fancy European name

I also think Brentford will get a result against Newcastle and United will get 7th

 

[Fallon d'Floor]

Comfortable 2-0 win. De Zerbi is a league 2 level manager, Guardiola groupie, with a fancy European name

I also think Brentford will get a result against Newcastle and United will get 7th

This is ridiculous. A tad xenophobic too? The man is Italian. He's not going to have a name like a Robert Smith.

 

[LawCharltonBest]

This is ridiculous. A tad xenophobic too? The man is Italian. He's not going to have a name like a Robert Smith.

Come on now. Boys don't cry.

 

[thisisnottaken1]

This is ridiculous. A tad xenophobic too? The man is Italian. He's not going to have a name like a Robert Smith.

To be honest, the lead singer of the Cure would be an interesting manager.

 

[Fallon d'Floor]

To be honest, the lead singer of the Cure would be an interesting manager.

Rod Stewart for manager. Scottish DNA like Busby, Shankly, Stein and Ferguson.

Moyes was just a blip.

 

[mu4c_20le]

To be fair, there probably wouldnt be as much hype if he was called Robert Dickens...

 

[always_hoping]

Brighton have won each of their last four Premier league games against Man United a run that needs to be stopped this Sunday. Man United's PL record away to Brighton doesn't make for great reading either P6 W2 L4 F8 A11 and to note the two wins was in matches played behind closed doors due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Brighton's home record in the Premier League this season. (9th best in the league points wise)

P18​

W8​

D6​

L4​

F30​

A25​

+5​

PTS 30​

Four defeats was against West Ham 3-1,Man City 4-0,Arsenal 3-0 and Chelsea yesterday 2-1