MY ACCOUNT
– Brighton have scored 13 goals in their four games in the competition
– Both teams have scored in all four Man Utd FA Cup ties this season
– Recommended bet: Back Both teams to score/over 2.5 goals – Yes
One step away from reaching their first cup final since 1983, Brighton go into Sunday’s semi-final against Manchester United carrying the favourites’ tag.
The Seagulls overcame Middlesbrough, Liverpool and Stoke in the early rounds before securing their spot in the last four with a 5-0 thrashing of League Two Grimsby.
United, who would equal Arsenal’s record of reaching the most FA Cup finals with a victory, were well beaten in Seville on Thursday and have less than 72 hours to dust themselves off before walking out at Wembley.
Erik ten Hag’s first game in charge of the club ended in defeat to Brighton, and the 3-0 loss at Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan had echoes of the Red Devils’ early-season teething troubles.
Team news
Brighton suffered a double injury blow last weekend when defender Joel Veltman and striker Evan Ferguson suffered hamstring and ankle injuries, respectively.
Veltman has been ruled out of this game after manager Roberto De Zerbi indicated the Dutchman would be unlikely to play for two weeks, but Ferguson has a faint chance of featuring.
Ex-United striker Danny Welbeck stands by to replace the Irishman in a similar line-up to the one that faced Chelsea.
Pascal Gross looks set to fill in at right-back with Tariq Lamptey still out, while Julio Enciso boosted his chances of occupying the ‘Number 10’ role with a stunning winner at Stamford Bridge.
Robert Sanchez, who started in the quarter-final, has no real competition for his place, with Jason Steele currently injured.
As for United, Marcus Rashford played 45 minutes on his comeback from a groin issue on Thursday and appeared to feel no ill effects.
But Anthony Martial left the pitch after suffering a knock and is a fresh injury doubt.
Bruno Fernandes returns after serving a one-game European ban and will take the armband from club captain Harry Maguire, who is suspended.
Luke Shaw could slot into central defence alongside Victor Lindelof, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka detailed to stop the dangerous Kaoru Mitoma.
The stats
The Seagulls have never won a competitive match at Wembley, drawing one and losing four of their five visits.
Mitoma has either scored (2) or assisted (2) a goal in all four of his FA Cup games for Brighton.
Having won 13 consecutive semi-final ties between 1976 and 2007, United have now lost three of their last five at this stage.
But the Red Devils have won all five of their FA Cup ties against Brighton.
Curiously, all four of their FA Cup games this season have resulted in 3-1 wins for Ten Hag’s team.
Prediction
Brighton will never have a better chance of reaching another cup final and avenging the defeat they suffered in their last appearance in one 40 years ago.
The Seagulls are in great form and have had a full week of preparation, while United are in a recovery phase following a massive European game just a few days before the Wembley showdown.
All these things were said about Newcastle, however, prior to the Carabao Cup Final, and United’s big-game mentality saw them get the job done.
This feels different, though, as Ten Hag’s men had just beaten Barcelona back then instead of crashing out of a competition they were clearly invested in.
Fernandes’ return will give them a lift, but their defence looked all over the place on Thursday, and more mistakes look possible in a game that should guarantee high drama.
Back both teams to score and over 2.5 goals at 10/11 with LiveScore Bet.
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