Manchester United are set to host Brighton & Hove Albion as club football restarts for its final phase this season. Manchester United are unbeaten in the last five Premier League games (3 wins, 2 draws). They currently stand in the second position with 57 points, 14 points behind the league-leaders Manchester City.
On the other hand, the Seagulls have won their previous two league games. These back-to-back wins have eased some pressure off their shoulders. They are at the 15th spot on the table, 7 points above the relegation zone.
TEAM NEWS
Over the international break, it seemed that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would be short of options in front of goal heading into the business end.
But Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood have returned to training and are likely to be passed fit for action on Sunday night.
Greenwood had pulled out from the European Under-21 Championship finals due to an unspecified injury. Rashford missed United’s last game due to an ankle injury. He was named in England’s squad but later returned to Old Trafford to continue his recovery.
Victor Lindelof and Anthony Martial are bigger concerns and are yet to train with the squad since returning from their respective international duties.
PREDICTED MAN UNITED LINEUP TO FACE BRIGHTON (4-2-3-1)
DEFENCE
Solskjaer has a very important choice to make as both Dean Henderson and David De Gea are available for this game. De Gea missed the previous six games due to a personal issue. In these games, Dean Henderson played fairly well and showed why he is rated so highly. Being a senior player, we think David De Gea will be taking his position between the sticks, though.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw will be the two full-backs in the Man United lineup.
Harry Maguire and Eric Bailly should take their place at the heart of the defence. If Lindelof is deemed fit at the last moment, he will replace Bailly in the Man United lineup.
MIDFIELD
Fred has been training at the AON complex as he was not part of the international squad. He should be starting in the midfield ahead of Nemanja Matic. Scott McTominay played 270 minutes during the international break and could be handed a breather.
Donny van de Beek is also an option for Ole. But we feel Paul Pogba is better placed to start alongside Fred in midfield in the Man United lineup.
Bruno Fernandes takes his usual number 10 position. He had a much-needed rest after missing Portugal’s last international game due to suspension.
ATTACK
There is a fair bit of confusion regarding the attacking lineup Ole will go with.
We expect Marcus Rashford to be passed fit for the tie. He will start on the left in the Man United lineup while Daniel James could be handed a start on the right flank, especially if there are any doubts regarding Greenwood’s fitness.
Edinson Cavani has been training with the players who didn’t travel with their respective international teams. He must be fit enough to start the game. Solskjaer will be hoping that the veteran striker remains fit for the rest of the season.
