Brighton vs Manchester United Prediction: That boy Welbeck to score once again

Brighton & Hove Albion welcome Manchester United to the Amex Stadium (4:00PM, Sky Sports Tennis) as the Premier League season draws to a close. The Red Devils can finish no higher or lower than third, with the main discourse surrounding Michael Carrick’s imminent ascension from interim head coach to permanent manager. 

Meanwhile, Brighton are duking it out with Chelsea, Brentford and Sunderland to retain their Europa League place. Lots on the line for the Seagulls as I offer my Brighton vs Manchester United predictions.

Team News

Manchester United have Matthijs De Ligt sidelined until a few weeks into next season, after the Netherlands defender underwent surgery for a nagging back problem.

Carrick is unlikely to have striker Benjamin Sesko to call upon either. The former RB Leipzig man pulled up in the 3-2 win over Liverpool earlier this month and may not be risked against Brighton.

Football Odds

Brighton are without Kaoru Mitouma due to a thigh complaint. The Japan international is sweating over his availability for the World Cup.

The hosts are also missing Adam Webster, Stefanos Tzimas (both ACL) and Mats Wieffer (foot).

Brighton vs Manchester United Odds

United are priced at 12/5 to pick up the away win. Brighton are favourites at 19/20 while the draw is marketed at 3/1. 

United beat Brighton 4-2 in their last league meeting while the Seagulls got revenge by knocking the Red Devils out of the FA Cup 2-1.

Brighton to win @ 19/20

United’s race is run as they travel to the south coast. Carrick has exceeded expectations and steered his temporary charges into the Champions League. The fuss-free manner in which the ex-England midfielder has improved results and reintegrated wasted talents like Kobbie Mainoo has led him to the brink of the permanent job.

Which gives this game the feel of a free hit. The Old Trafford club are 10 points behind league runners-up Manchester City and six ahead of fourth-placed Aston Villa. Nothing they do on Sunday will impact how the season ends.

No team goes on the pitch to lose of course, but one wonders if the pressure on Brighton will lead them to fight a bit harder for a result. Particularly with the backing of their home fans.

The Seagulls are seventh; enough for a Europa League berth in today’s money. But behind them by a single point are a mercurial Chelsea side and a bright Brentford side. Two points off Brighton are Sunderland, who have shattered expectations a season after they were promoted from the Championship.

If Brighton lose then European football could either be significantly downgraded to the Conference League or eliminated altogether. Brighton have real stakes in a game where United are playing for pride and potentially minutes for some of the youngsters who reached the FA Youth Cup final.

Danny Welbeck first goalscorer @ 7/2

Not since Anakin Skywalker went Sith has someone done more than Danny Welbeck to punish the institution that raised them. The evergreen striker has eight goals in 19 games against his former club Manchester United, including six in the league. No former Red has bagged more against their ex-employers in the Premier League era.

Welbeck is having his best scoring season in the English top flight, bagging 13 times for Brighton this term. At the age of 35, the England shouts kept coming for a forward last-capped in 2018.

Welbeck was part of the 55-man provisional England squad but ultimately did not get the nod. Look for the ageless wonder to make the German look a bit silly with the first goal against his ex-employers on Sunday. 

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