Man United vs Brighton: Match preview, head-to-head, team news, how to watch, prediction

Manchester United take on Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup third round at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.

The two sides met in the Premier League in October, where United won 4-2, ending their three-game losing streak in the league against the Seagulls.

Match preview

This is United’s second game under interim head coach Darren Fletcher. The club legend was also in the dugout for the 2-2 league draw at Burnley.

Fletcher adopted a 4-2-3-1 formation against the Clarets, and the United players did not look out of sorts in the new shape, although they were unable to secure a victory.

United are expected to stick with the same tactical set-up for Brighton’s visit but might make some changes to the starting XI.

Shea Lacey, whose cameo against Burnley was described as ‘fearless‘ by Fletcher, could be given his first-ever start. Kobbie Mainoo is also in contention to make his second start of the season.

Brighton, meanwhile, head into this fixture off the back of an impressive 1-1 draw at Manchester City and are unbeaten in their last three games.

Despite losing on their last visit to Old Trafford, Fabian Hurzeler’s side will fancy their chances, given United’s defensive frailties.

Head-to-head

United have won each of their six previous meetings with Brighton in the competition. They have also lost just two of their last 40 ties in the FA Cup third round.

Team news

United will be without four players. Bryan Mbeumo will be absent despite Cameroon’s AFCON exit on Friday, while Noussair Mazraoui and Amad Diallo are still participating in the tournament. Matthijs de Ligt is the only player on the mend.

Brighton will assess the fitness of Yankuba Minteh before the game, but Babis Kostoulas and Joel Veltman are fully fit after missing the clash with City.

How to watch

The match will be shown live on TNT Sports in the UK. It can also be followed via MUTV, the United App and ManUtd.com.

Prediction

We fancy a 2-2 draw after normal time, and United will triumph on penalties.

Stats from manutd.com & transfermarkt.com

Article written by Henry Thornton .