Manchester United vs Brighton predicted line-ups: Team news ahead of FA Cup semi-final

Everything you need to know ahead of the FA Cup tie

Harry Latham-Coyle
Sunday 23 April 2023 10:46 BST
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Manchester United take on Brighton in the semi-finals of the FA Cup
Manchester United take on Brighton in the semi-finals of the FA Cup (PA Wire)

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Manchester United continue their hunt for a second domestic trophy of the season as they take on Brighton in the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

A Thursday night Europa League exit ended Erik ten Hag’s pursuit of a cup treble in his first season at Old Trafford, but the Dutchman has already experienced Wembley success this year and will hope to set up another tilt at a trophy.

Standing in Manchester United’s way are Brighton, in the midst of an outstanding league season and seeking their own bit of silverware.

Then under the management of Graham Potter, the south coast club beat their opponents in the league in August, and Roberto De Zerbi will know his side are more than capable of progressing to the final.

Here’s everything you need to know.

When is Brighton vs Manchester United?

Brighton vs Manchester United is due to kick off at 4.30pm BST on Sunday 23 April at Wembley Stadium in London.

How can I watch it?

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the semi-final live on BBC One, with coverage on the channel from 4pm BST. Coverage will also be availabe via the BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website.

Team news

Brighton suffered a double injury blow in last week’s win against Chelsea, with both Joel Veltman (thigh) and Evan Ferguson (ankle) ruled out of this game. The versatile Pascal Gross could provide right back cover while, with Ferguson unavailable, the striking vacancy may be filled by Danny Welbeck against one of his former clubs.

Erik Ten Hag is facing something of a central defensive crisis, with Harry Maguire suspended and his first choice duo currently sidelined. In the absence of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof and Luke Shaw could form a makeshift partnership, with Tyrell Malacia filling in for the latter at left back. Marcus Rashford was involved from the bench against Sevilla and may press to start, with an injury to Anthony Martial a potential concern.

Predicted line-ups

Brighton XI: Sanchez; Gross, Webster, Dunk, Estupinan; Caicedo, Mac Allister; March, Enciso, Mitoma; Welbeck

Manchester United XI: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Shaw, Malacia; Casemiro, Eriksen; Antony, Sabitzer, Fernandes; Rashford.

Odds

Brighton to progress 4/5

Manchester United to progress 23/20

Prediction

With Brighton high on confidence and Manchester United’s season just starting to fray at the edges, this is a very intriguing semi-final. Manchester United may just squeeze through. Brighton 1-2 Manchester United (a.e.t.)

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