FA Cup Semi-Final Tips: Brighton can cause a shock by beating Man United

The second FA Cup semi-final will see Brighton face a hurting Manchester United at Wembley. Can the Seagulls reach their first final in 40 years or will United make it appearance number 13?

Injury bugs

Neither side boasts a particularly clean bill of health entering Sunday’s semi-final. Manchester United’s injury problems have been well-documented by now, and their defence remains severely depleted with Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane and Phil Jones all ruled out. Harry Maguire will also miss out due to a suspension.

To top it off, Scott McTominay, Alejandro Garnacho and Anthony Martial, who suffered a knock against Sevilla in the Europa League on Thursday, are all doubts.

But Brighton’s situation isn’t much better. Adam Lallana and Jeremey Sarmiento both remain injured, while Evan Ferguson and Joel Veltman have been ruled out for a few weeks. Tariq Lamptey also has a knee injury and Jason Steele missed the game against Chelsea because of a knock, so will have to be assessed before Sunday.

High flyers

Despite all the injuries to key players, Brighton have powered through in recent weeks. They’ve only lost two of their last 10 games in all competitions with six wins in that span.

Meanwhile, United have to experience a quick turnaround after Thursday’s resounding loss in Seville. However, they’ve managed to win three consecutive Premier League matches with three clean sheets, even with their defensive injury woes.

Two of United’s wins came against relegation-threatened sides in Everton and Nottingham Forest. A relatively full-strength side defeated Brentford 1-0 in the other match, but they’ve obviously picked up some key knocks since that victory.

We also can’t forget that it was Brighton who deservedly beat United at Old Trafford in Erik ten Hag’s first competitive match as manager back in August. Another upset of sorts may be on the cards.

History in the making?

The last time Brighton reached the FA Cup final was in 1983. They reached the semis in 2019 but were narrowly beaten by Manchester City. Now they have a chance at redemption against another Manchester club, one of the most successful in the competition’s history.

Given that Brighton have seemingly adapted to their injuries and United are experiencing a quick turnaround from Thursday, now is as opportunistic a time as any to snap their 40-year final drought.

Julio Enciso has scored in two of the last three games, so he’s clearly picked up form at the ideal time, and this new-look defence has been surprisingly stingy. That may translate to Sunday’s contest.

Brighton v Manchester United FA Cup Semi-Final Tips

Brighton win and Both teams to score @ 3.95
Julio Enciso anytime goalscorer @ 3.15