Brighton & Hove Albion vs Manchester United: Preview, Odds, Predictions (May 4)
Initial Thoughts
Brighton & Hove Albion welcome Manchester United to the Amex Stadium on Thursday night, hot on the heels of the European places and seeking revenge for FA Cup disappointment.
The Narrative
As that narrow win on penalties at Wembley showed clearly last month, Manchester United have had to work hard to get anything out of their matchups against Brighton of late.
The Red Devils fell 2-1 at home to the south coast club on the opening day of the season, and lost 4-0 the last time they traveled to the Amex Stadium almost exactly one year ago.
Since Graham Potter’s ill fated move to Chelsea last year, the Seagulls have looked even better under Roberti De Zerbi. And Man were matched every step of the way in the 120 minutes of football leading up to the spot kicks at Wembley.
Heading into Thursday night’s clash, Brighton’s home form is second to none, while United away form leaves much to be desired. So is the stage set for another massive win for the south coast side on Thursday?
Nuts and Bolts
United arrive in this match unbeaten in their last five outings in the league. After surrendering a two goal lead for the second time in a month against Spurs in midweek, Erik Ten Hag’s side hung on to secure a closely fought 1-0 victory against high-flying Villa on the weekend.
That show of defensive character will encourage Ten Hag that United are developing under his tenure, as will the fact that each of Man U’s last six league goals have come from different outfield players.
On +10, United have the lowest goal difference in the top four, but their chances of European football look all but assured, with a game in hand and a seven point lead on 5th placed Liverpool.
After four consecutive fixtures on the road Brighton made a stunning return to the Amex Stadium on the weekend - putting six goals past Wolves in a match that De Zerbi described as his finest ever as a coach.
Deniz Undav, Pascal Gross and Danny Welbeck, all scored twice in one of the most one-sided games of the Premier League season, and former Red Devil Welbeck will relish the chance to find the net against his boyhood club on Thursday.
So too will Brighton winger Solly March, who was a constant threat against United in the Cup semi final, only to blaze his penalty over the bar and send Ten Hag’s side into next month’s final against Manchester City.
The Amex Stadium became a fortress in 2023, with Brighton winning five of their seven home fixtures to a combined scoreline of 15-0. But De Zerbi’s side have failed to win consecutive Premier League matches since January.
United have picked up only a single win in their last four matches on the road, and the 4-0 defeat they suffered last time they visited the south coast means this could be a very tricky tie for Erik Ten Hag’s side.
Homestand Picks
All odds courtesy of Northstar Bets
It was close at Wembley, and factoring in that 6-0 demolition of Wolves last weekend and an impressive home record, the stage is set for a Brighton win on Thursday.
Danny Welbeck anytime goals (+160)
With a brace in his last outing at the Amex, ex-United striker Danny Welbeck will be highly motivate to add to his league tally tomorrow.
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