Brighton vs Manchester Utd prediction: ENGLAND: FA Cup betting tips on match 2023-04-22 15:30.
Already enjoying one of the most memorable seasons in the club’s history, FA Cup fever now sweeps through Brighton as the Seagulls visit Wembley for their second semi-final appearance in five seasons. They’ll be hoping for a better outcome this time around, as their dreams were shattered in 2018/19 by Manchester City, but now it’s their city rivals Manchester United standing between Brighton and the final.
Roberto De Zerbi’s high-flying side have little reason to be fearful given they’ve lost just one of their last nine matches in all competitions (W6, D2) and their run to the semi-final has been equally as devastating at times, scoring five goals on two occasions, whilst also eliminating holders Liverpool. The prize for another victory here would be a second-ever FA Cup final, and a first since 1983 which interestingly saw them lose out to United.
After a bruising 3-0 defeat at Sevilla saw them dumped out of the UEFA Europa League on Thursday, boss Erik ten Hag will hope his players’ confidence isn’t shattered. The Dutchman described the performance as “unacceptable” and said his squad “let the fans down”, but a second trip to Wembley this season provides the perfect platform to bounce back.
The Red Devils have already tasted success at the national stadium this season, lifting the Carabao Cup by beating Newcastle in the final. The FA Cup will likely hold greater importance to United as it’s a competition that’s been close to their heart, with their 12 overall wins a total only bettered by Arsenal, although they’ve only lifted the famous trophy once in the last 19 years.
Players to watch: With Evan Ferguson likely missing through injury, former United forward Danny Welbeck could lead the line at Wembley and he’s scored four times against the Red Devils, including the winning goal in an FA Cup clash from his Arsenal days. Returning from a midweek suspension, Bruno Fernandes could well be United’s most important player and he enjoys facing Brighton – directly contributing to six goals in as many H2Hs (G4, A2).
Hot streak: All four of Man Utd’s FA Cup matches this season have ended in 3-1 victories.