After facing the boot in the Champions League at home against Sevilla, Manchester United have yet another important game of their season coming up, as they welcome Chris Hughton’s Brighton to Old Trafford in a couple of hours from now, for the quarterfinals of the FA Cup. The Red Devils beat the Terriers and Derby County in the last two rounds and beat Liverpool last weekend but will be under pressure to deliver as this competition remains the only route to silverware for Jose Mourinho this season.
The Seagulls beat Coventry and Middlesbrough in the previous rounds but lost to Everton at the weekend and will look to bounce back in this competition. But United will be determined to not let this chance slip and with a couple of week’s lull after the game, thanks to the international break, Mourinho might no longer rest any of his key players. Here is the predicted lineup he might field for this tie:
Team News:
In early team news, the Red Devils are still without the services of Marcos Rojo, Daley Blind, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Phil Jones and Ander Herrera, all of who are ruled out for this game. They remain the only absentees ahead of this tie for Mourinho.
Expected lineup (4-2-3-1):
Defence:
Though David de Gea remains the first choice for United, Sergio Romero deserves his chances and should start under the bar against the Seagulls. Victor Lindelof was an unused substitute against Sevilla but might get his chance in the first team at the back in this tie. He should be partnered with Eric Bailly, who is only just returning from an injury.
Ashley Young should be given a break as Luke Shaw, who has been effective this season, should start at left back. Antonio Valencia might also be rested and Matteo Darmian should take his place on the right flank.
Midfield:
Nemanja Matic is an integral part of the squad for United and is one of the first names on the team sheet. He should start at the heart of the midfield for his side and could be partnered with Paul Pogba in a two-man midfield, to add some creativity to this United side.
Attack:
Romelu Lukaku remains the best option to lead the attack for the Red Devils. The Belgian is expected to keep his place in the side while Anthony Martial, who has lost his place in the first team recently, could start on the left side of the attack.
Jesse Lingard has been effective for most of the season and could start in a no.10 role and should be supported by Juan Mata, who should start on the right flank in attack.
Here is how they might line up:
