Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 4/7
Bookmaker: Luckster
Signing off the 2025/26 Premier League campaign on Sunday afternoon, Manchester United will travel to the Amex when they meet Brighton.
Brighton
Starting with the hosts, suffering last-gasp heartbreak away at Leeds last time out as they eventually fell to a 1-0 loss at Elland Road, Brighton are desperately searching for an immediate response here. Opening their season finale sat in the driving seat to punch a lucrative European return on Sunday afternoon, Fabian Hurzeler's side have rightfully received a string of plaudits from across England's elite this year. Excited to make a return to the Amex, the former St. Pauli boss has seen his squad gain a reputation for their extended dominance on home soil. Last seen in front of their own supporters clinching a routine 3-0 victory against an already-relegated Wolves, Brighton have won each of their previous three consecutive showdowns on the south coast by an aggregate score of 8-1. Likewise, Sunday's hosts have also registered 12 points from their last five Premier League battles at the Amex.
Brighton Team News
Both dealing with respective long-term knee injuries, Brighton will once again be without the duo of Adam Webster and Greek starlet Stefanos Tzimas here. Likewise, shockingly omitted from Japan's World Cup squad this month, Kaoru Mitoma remains a doubt after picking up a recent thigh issue.
Enjoying another fruitful campaign at the Amex and registering 13 Premier League strikes this season, one-time Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck will lead the line against his former club. Heavily linked with a potential move to Old Trafford over the past few months, 22-year-old Carlos Baleba will start in the middle of the park.
Manchester United
As for the visitors, while there might have been plenty of raised eyebrows back in January as Michael Carrick made a shock return to the Old Trafford dugout, Manchester United have embarked on a sensational run under the former midfielder. Already wrapping up both a lucrative Champions League return and a bronze medal finish among England's elite, the Red Devils find the mood in their camp at a famous high. Last seen securing a controversial 3-2 victory at home against Nottingham Forest, Man United will simply be looking to sign off proceedings with a final statement of intent. In fact, making Carrick's return to the red half of Manchester a permanent one and with official confirmation announced on Friday, United have lost just a pair of their 16 Premier League showdowns under the ex-Middlesbrough boss. Continuing to fire on all cylinders, they have also suffered just a sole domestic defeat on their travels so far this calendar year.
Manchester United Team News
Yet to make a single appearance across any competition so far in 2026, Dutch international Matthijs de Ligt remains on the sidelines with a back injury and won't feature here. However, Carrick's side are hopeful that former RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko will be able to make a full return on Sunday afternoon.
Registering a record-breaking 20th Premier League assist of the season against Nottingham Forest last weekend, talismanic skipper Bruno Fernandes will play a leading role here. Bagging a first top-flight strike since the start of February at Old Trafford last week, Bryan Mbeumo should keep his spot from the start.
Brighton vs Manchester United Key Factors to Consider
- When Brighton and Manchester United last met back on January 11th, the Seagulls claimed a 2-1 FA Cup victory at Old Trafford.
- Since Carrick's arrival back in January, United have lost just a pair of their 16 showdowns under the former Middlesbrough boss.
- Man United have suffered just a sole domestic defeat away from Old Trafford so far this calendar year.
- Brighton have won all of their last three consecutive matchups at the Amex by an aggregate score of 8-1.
- The red-hot Bruno Fernandes has remarkably registered 20 Premier League assists so far this season.
Conclusion
Already wrapping up a bronze medal finish following last weekend's controversial 3-2 victory at home against Nottingham Forest, Manchester United will be looking to sign off the 2025/26 campaign with a final flurry. However, watching their FA Cup adventure come to an end thanks to a 2-1 loss against Brighton back on January 11th, Carrick's high-flying squad will be more than aware that they face a tricky test on the south coast here. Watching Brighton win all of their previous three straight matchups at the Amex by an aggregate score of 8-1, we could be treated to another thriller on Sunday afternoon.
Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 4/7
Bookmaker: Luckster
