Brighton kicked off their new season on a disappointing note as they were comfortably beaten by Watford. Now, they face another difficult task against Manchester United.
The Seagulls can take inspiration from their victory over Jose Mourinho’s side in May last season but need to put in a more convincing display at the back considering United’s attacking talent.
Brighton’s major absentee is Soufyan Ahannach, who has been out since April because of a broken tibia and fibula. He is expected to be back in action by the end of this year. Jose Izquierdo, Florin Andone and Bruno Saltor are doubtful as well.
Defence
Matt Ryan, the Australian custodian, is expected to stand in goal.
Shane Duffy and Lewis Dunk will partner each other at the centre of the defence. They are quite strong and aerially dominant, as Duffy and Dunk won 7 and 6 aerial duels respectively against Watford last weekend.
Bruno walked off the pitch in the 25th minute last weekend, but he could be fit enough to start, amid doubts circulating regarding his availability. He will be accompanied by Bernardo on the opposite flank, as they will look to mix caution with aggression against United.
Midfield
Dale Stephens and Davy Propper will form the pivot at the centre of the park. Both of them are quite defensive in nature, as they look to defend deep and shield the defence.
Both the midfielders registered three interceptions each against Watford, clearly demonstrating their tendency to recover and recycle the possession of the ball. Their distribution on the counter will need to be immaculate of they are to cause United problems when they win the ball.
Solly March and Anthony Knockaert will play as the two wingers in this formation. Knockaert has the pace and can beat his marker with his tricks and flicks.
March tends to stretch play and deliver some testing crosses, but Knockaert is the more dynamic and effective of the two wingers.
Attack
Pascal Gross will play in the withdrawn role behind Glenn Murray. Both of them are intelligent forwards as they benefit from playing off each other. Murray is a good finisher, while Gross is usually given the free role in order to pick out passes or get into goal-scoring positions with his intelligent movement off the ball.
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