Manchester United qualified for the FA Cup semifinals at the weekend narrowly beating Norwich City 2-1 after extra-time. Now, the Red Devils turn their attention back to the Premier League with a game in hand.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side find themselves in sixth place and three points back of fifth-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers. Manchester United could return to the top five with a win on the south coast thanks to their superior goal difference.
Winning at the Amex Stadium won’t be easy. Brighton are in decent form unbeaten in three straight league fixtures. They took five of nine points from their last three league matches and will fancy their chances at home of a big win.
Brighton have collected 21 points from a possible 45 at home this season. Graham Potters team have recorded 19 goals while conceding 16 times. Their most recent home match saw them come from behind to defeat Arsenal 2-1.
Solskjaer will have to contend with fatigue after his side played 120 minutes of football at Carrow Road. The manager may be forced to change his first-choice players although the likes of Paul Pogba, Anthony Martial, and Marcus Rashford did not start at Norwich City.
Manchester United’s upcoming league fixture list is far easier that Wolves. They face off with relegation-threatened Bournemouth and Aston Villa next and should secure a top-five finish ahead of Wolves.
If there is a problem with this Manchester United team it is playing away from Old Trafford. The Red Devils have recorded just 17 points from 45 possible on their travels which is just the ninth-best in the league.
Saturday’s FA Cup quarterfinal at Norwich City followed a similar trend as the club’s draw at Tottenham Hotspur in the league. Manchester United were slow and lethargic and lacked a cutting edge.
Brighton did win their last two fixtures against Manchester United at the Amex Stadium. Could an upset be on the cards?
In the six meetings these teams have had since 2017, Manchester United have dominated the series. They have won four of the six matches in all competitions including two straight wins.
Solskjaer’s team is far more talented and at this point in the season should rise to the occasion on the south coast. Manchester United have won to nil in four of their last five Premier League matches.
That trend should continue on Tuesday as the Red Devils claim a big victory in the race for the top five. Expect under 2.5 goals with a professional win to nil by Manchester United.