Chris Sutton makes score prediction for PL clash between Brighton and Manchester United
BBC pundit Chris Sutton has made a score prediction for the Premier League clash between Brighton and Manchester United. Both sides are set to face each other at the Amex Stadium in their 38th match of a topsy-turvy season.
For Brighton, their impressive performances saw them finish sixth last season, as they locked in a Europa League spot. They also signed Ansu Fati from Barcelona on loan for this season, and they looked set to build on their work. However, this season has seen them in 10th place with the potential to finish in ninth.
Manchester United have also been unable to meet expectations following a season where they won the Carabao Cup and secured a spot in the Champions League. This season will see them potentially struggle to finish in seventh place while hoping to make it into the Europa League by beating Manchester City in the final of the FA Cup.
Chris Sutton has given his prediction about their clash to the BBC, saying:
"I've been talking for a while now about how the season has fizzled out for Brighton and their manager Roberto de Zerbi, and their poor form continued against Chelsea on Wednesday. The Seagulls can still secure a top-10 finish with a win here, though, and things cannot be too bad if that counts as a disappointing campaign."
He added:
"Fair play to Manchester United for getting over the line against Newcastle United on Wednesday but they are still only in eighth place. If they finish there, that is a pretty accurate reflection of their season."
Erik ten Hag reveals potential absence for Manchester United star in FA Cup clash
Manchester United will face Manchester City in the FA Cup final this season, with the Sky Blues widely expected to secure the win with relative ease. However, local derbies can move in any direction, and the Red Devils are quite capable of causing an upset while frustrating their neighbors.
However, they likely won't have the services of Luke Shaw based on Erik ten Hag's recent comments. Speaking to the press ahead of their match against Brighton, the Dutchman discussed the left-back (via Manchester Evening News):
"Luke is more complicated in this moment, let's say it's less of a chance he will make it but still a very small chance. He had a setback, now we have to find out how far it is."
Fans will be hoping that Shaw can grab the minute chance Ten Hag has noted to find a way back to the squad for their ultimate game this season.