This midweek sees a substantial slate of Premier League action, much of which are reverse fixtures from season opening weekend. Manchester United at Brighton & Hove Albion is one such fixture, with the Gulls having won in a runaway rout during the curtain-raiser.
That result was an early indicator of the pleasantly surprising season that Brighton were destined for. The Seagulls are just four points off the pace for fifth place, but they have two games in hand on the team they’re chasing, Liverpool. They are just two points behind sixth place Tottenham, but they also have three games in hand on Spurs.
Manchester United vs Brighton FYIs
Kick: Thurs May 4, 8pm, AMEX Stadium
United Preview Content: Team News Starting XI Prediction
Transatlantic Passage: How the Premier League Redefined Soccer in America: LINK
PL Standing: United 4th, 63 pts Brighton 8th 52 pts
PL Form: United WDWWW Brighton WLWLW
Result Probability: United win 27% Draw 25% Brighton win 48%
In other words, their prospects for reaching Europa League qualification are quite good. Thursday night also marks a rematch of the FA Cup semifinal showdown from two weekends ago. United won that marathon, after 120 goalless minutes, on penalty kicks, 7-6.
So the series between these two sides this season has been interesting to say the least.
Man United Starting XI Prediction at Brighton
De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Shaw, Dalot; Eriksen, Casemiro, Fernandes; Antony, Martial, Rashford
Prediction: Man United 2, Brighton & Hove Albion 1
The Red Devils will get revenge for the opening day blowout fixture
Paul M. Banks is the owner/manager of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He’s written for numerous publications, including the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. He regularly appears on NTD News and WGN News Now. Follow the website on Twitter and Instagram.