Brighton and Hove Albion - Manchester United predictions and free betting tips [19/05/2024]

On Sunday, 19 May, in the 38th round of the EPL, Brighton will host Manchester United. While the Red Devils still have a chance at securing a place in European competitions, the Seagulls have faltered in the second half of the season and will aim to avoid dropping further down the table.

Brighton

Brighton currently sits in 10th place on the Premier League table and lacks significant motivation for the final round. In the last nine matches, the Seagulls have managed just one win, drawing three times and losing five matches. Following a 1-1 draw with Newcastle last weekend, Roberto De Zerbi's side suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Chelsea this week. Danny Welbeck's 97th-minute strike offered scant consolation as Cole Palmer and Christopher Nkunku secured victory for the Londoners. If Brighton drops points on Sunday, they could fall into the lower half of the table, allowing Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, or Wolverhampton Wanderers to surpass them.

Furthermore, Brighton has struggled to score more than one goal per game since mid-February and ranks 9th in home points (30 points in 18 matches, 30 goals scored, 25 conceded). The home side's squad is weakened by the absence of key wingers Mitoma (3 goals and 4 assists) and March (3 goals in 7 matches), defenders Hinshelwood and Estupiñán, promising forward Ferguson (6 goals), centre-back van Hecke, and veteran Milner. There's also uncertainty over the fitness of centre-back Veltman. Last weekend, Danny Welbeck (5 goals) scored a goal after coming on as a substitute, and the Englishman may start alongside Adingra (6 goals) and João Pedro (9 goals and 3 assists).

Manchester United

Manchester United has been one of the biggest disappointments of the season, with little chance of qualifying for European competitions via the league. Currently sitting 8th in the Premier League table, the Red Devils trail 6th place by 3 points and have an unfavourable goal difference. Erik ten Hag's side has won just twice in their last nine matches, drawing four times and losing three. Following defeats to Crystal Palace (4-0) and Arsenal (1-0), Manchester United triumphed over Newcastle at home this week (3-2), with goals from Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo, and Rasmus Højlund.

However, success on Sunday is not guaranteed as the visitors have failed to win any of their last five away league matches. In terms of points earned away, United ranks 7th overall (24 points in 18 matches, 24 goals scored, 30 conceded). The Red Devils are without defenders Shaw, Maguire, and Lindelöf, attacking midfielder Mount, and wing-back Malacia. Additionally, Raphael Varane's and Martial's fitness remains in doubt. Lisandro Martinez and winger Rashford (7 goals) returned last week and are likely to feature, while Højlund (9 goals) and Bruno Fernandes (10 goals and 8 assists) will be key players in attack. Wan-Bissaka and Dalot will anchor the flanks of the defence, with Evans and Casemiro in the centre.

Head-to-Head

Four of Manchester United's last six trips to Brighton ended in defeat (67%) - the highest rate among all the teams in the division. The reverse fixture saw the Seagulls claim a 3-1 victory.

Prediction for Brighton vs Manchester United

Manchester United is driven by the quest for a European spot and cannot afford to slip up, but their recent results against Brighton are not encouraging. While it remains uncertain if De Zerbi will leave Brighton this summer, the hosts will aim to delight their home fans in the final round. I'm predicting a draw.