Image Source: Alamy Stock Photo
2023/24 English Premier League
Matchday 38
Brighton & Hove Albion v Manchester United
American Express Community Stadium
London, England
Sunday, 19 May 2024
Kick-off is at 16h00
Manchester United will be looking to avoid another unwanted record when they tackle Brighton at the Amex on Sunday, May 19.
The Seagulls have become United's bogey team in recent seasons and are bidding to do the
Premier League double over them for the second year running.
Erik ten Hag's side went level with Newcastle on 57 points after beating them 3-2 at Old Trafford on May 15 to open up a five-point gap to West Ham in eighth place.
However, United are still in danger of recording their lowest points total and finish in the Premier League era - they only managed 58 under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick in 2021-22 and finished seventh during David Moyes' ill-fated tenure in 2013-14.
Tenth is the best that Albion can achieve after they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Chelsea on May 15 to stay above Bournemouth (11th) on goal difference, with the Hammers sitting four points clear of the duo in ninth position.
Roberto De Zerbi's have really struggled to get going in 2024, winning just four of their 18 games since the turn of the year, although they've beaten United in each of their last four encounters.
Image Source: Alamy Stock Photo
In team news, both teams have a host of injuries to contend with. Brighton remain without Solly March, Lewis Dunk (both knee), Pervis Estupinan (calf), James Milner, Jan Paul van Hecke (both thigh), Evan Ferguson, Jack Hinshelwood (both ankle) and Kaoru Mitoma (back), while the Red Devils are missing Tyrell Malacia (knee), Luke Shaw (thigh), Anthony Martial (groin) Harry Maguire and Mason Mount. Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof could come back into contention though,
De Zerbi acknowledged that a top-10 finish is the goal now after injuries took a brutal toll on their campaign.
"We want to finish the season in the top 10," the Italian said. "It won't be a great result if we compare to last season, but if we consider the many problems we have had it can be considered a good result. We are happy for this season, but maybe not enough."
Ten Hag is still targeting a place in Europe, whether through the league or beating Manchester City in the FA Cup final, but acknowledges this season has been poor for United.
"I don't talk about pride - we are all disappointed with the season - but still, we can win something and we have to go for this," the Dutchman told Sky Sports.
"I see the positives. I see that this team is developing. I know the reasons why we are not performing. No team will perform when the whole back four is not available across the season.
"We have had our problems across the season and that has a negative impact on the results. But down the line, you see players performing, you see players progressing, like the youngsters, and that is very positive.
"There is high potential in this club. We all know. People can see."
Head-to-Head (Last Five Premier League Meetings)
Matches - 5
Brighton wins - 4
Man United wins - 1
Draws - 0
Premier League Matchday 38 fixtures:
Sunday, May 19
16h00: Arsenal v Everton
16h00: Brentford v Newcastle United
16h00: Brighton & Hove Albion v Manchester United
16h00: Burnley v Nottingham Forest
16h00: Chelsea v Bournemouth
16h00: Crystal Palace v Aston Villa
16h00: Liverpool v Wolverhampton Wanderers
16h00: Luton Town v Fulham
16h00: Manchester City v West Ham United
16h00: Sheffield United v Tottenham Hotspur
Bet on the English Premier League with Betway
Sign up at Betway and enjoy solid action & heart-racing thrills when you
bet on soccer
For all the latest sports news, betting tips and promotions follow Betway on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Download the Betway App.