Away to Brighton, MU Rely on Marcus Rashford

– Manchester United (MU) is predicted to rely on Marcus Rashford as the sole spearhead when they travel to Brighton and Hove Albion headquarters in the Premier League continuation, Thursday (4/5/2023) or Friday morning starting 02.00 WIB.

The 25-year-old striker also played a role in the same position when MU overthrew Aston Villa, 1-0. The only goal for the Red Devils in the home match was scored by Bruno Fernandes. However, Rashford is expected to return to being a mainstay of the front line due to the dull stock of other MU strikers such as Anthony Martial or Wout Weghorst.

Rashford has scored 16 league goals this season. Most of the goals he scored when he assumed the role of left wing striker. The last time he scored was in a 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur.

His goal had brought MU 2-0 lead in the first half. But in the second half Tottenham got back up and leveled thanks to the actions of Pedro Porro and Son Heung-min.

In carrying out the role as the sole spearhead, Rashford will be supported by the trio Antony, Bruno Fernandes, Jadon Sancho.

MU is chasing victory in order to strengthen its position in the top four so they can play in the Champions League next season. The Red Devils are now in fourth place with 63 points. They are one point clear of third-placed Newcastle United but Eddie Howe’s side have played 33 times to United’s just twice.

Meanwhile, with fifth-placed occupants, Liverpool, the Red Devils are seven points ahead.

While Brighton is in eighth position with a collection of 52 points from 31 matches. Brighton will be without Adam Lallana, Jeremy Sarmiento, Tariq Lamptey and Jukub Moder due to injury.

Joel Veltman limped against Wolverhamton and is doubtful to play against MU. Karou Mitoma, Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister all started on the bench against Wolves. They were very potential to appear from the start in the match at the Community Stadium.

Manchester United are still without a number of players for their game against Brighton. Raphaël Varane, Lisandro Martínez, Donny van de Beek, Alejandro Garnacho, Tom Heaton, Scott McTominay and Phil Jones were absent at home to Brighton.

Erik Ten Hag probably kept a similar back four to defending clean sheets when meeting Aston Villa. They have also received news that Harry Maguire has returned from injury. However, it seems that the England national team defender will not be used as a starter because Ten Hag has more confidence in the duo Victort Lindelof and Luke Shaw at the heart of the defence.

The visitors are indeed superior in player material but Brighton can still be a threat. Roberto De Zerbi’s team is unbeaten in the last four home games at the AMEX Stadium.

They lost 0-4 when they preceded MU’s arrival last season. They also gave up 1-2 to MU in their initial meeting this season at home to MU. But now the situation could be different.

Predicted lineup:

Brighton (4-2-3-1):
Goalkeeper: Jason Steele
Rear: Pascal Groß, Lewis Dunk, Levi Colwill, Pervis Estupinan
Middle: Moises Caicedo, Alison Allister
Forwards: Solly March, Deniz Undav, Karou Mitoma
Front: Danny Welbeck

United (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: David De Gea
Back: Diogo Dalot, Victort Lindelof, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia
Middle: Casemiro, Marcel Sabitzer
Forwards: Antony, Bruno Fernandes, Jadon Sancho
Forward: Marcus Rashford

Brighton and Hove Albion’s Last Five Matches

08/04/23 Premier League Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Brighton & Hove Albion
15/04/23 Premier League Chelsea 1-2 Brighton & Hove Albion
23/04/23 FA Cup Brighton & Hove Albion 0-0 Manchester United
27/04/23 Premier League Nottingham Forest 3-1 Brighton & Hove Albion
29/04/23 Premier League Brighton & Hove Albion 6-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers

Manchester United’s Last Five Matches

16/04/23 Premier League Nottingham Forest 0-2 Manchester United
21/04/23 Europa League Sevilla 3-0 Manchester United
23/04/23 FA Cup Brighton & Hove Albion 0-0 Manchester United
28/04/23 Premier League Tottenham Hotspur 2-2 Manchester United
30/04/23 Premier League Manchester United 1-0 Aston Villa

Head to Head

23/04/23 FA Cup Brighton & Hove Albion 0-0 Manchester United
07/08/22 Premier League Manchester United 1-2 Brighton & Hove Albion
07/05/22 Premier League Brighton & Hove Albion 4-0 Manchester United
16/02/22 Premier League Manchester United 2-0 Brighton & Hove Albion
05/04/21 Premier League Manchester United 2-1 Brighton & Hove Albion
01/10/20 League Cup Brighton & Hove Albion 0-3 Manchester United
26/09/20 Premier League Brighton & Hove Albion 2-3 Manchester United

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