Manchester United vs Brighton: Ones to watch (Premier League)

Manchester United make the trip down South on Thursday evening to take on a Brighton side who will be looking for revenge after the FA Cup semi-final.

The Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi cancelled his press conference on Wednesday due to illness, however, is set to be back on the touchline as Manchester United continue their pursuit of Champions League football.

Erik ten Hag‘s men find themselves four points ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool but with a two-game advantage as the business end of the season approaches. Brighton have their own European aspirations and will be looking to seek revenge for the semi-final shoot-out heartbreak last month.

Key players such as Alexis Mac Alliser, Kaoru Mitoma, and Moises Caicedo were rested for Brighton’s 6-0 win at the weekend whilst United ground out a 1-0 victory at home to Aston Villa.

With European football for both clubs riding on this game, it’s sure to be fiercely contested. Here are the ones to watch.

Manchester United – Anthony Martial

Anthony Martial has started the last two games on the bench with Marcus Rashford leading the line but there is a good chance he returns for the trip to The Amex Stadium.

The Frenchman has struggled for fitness this season and Erik ten Hag is all too aware of that, keen not to overplay him.

Many feel that he is currently United’s best option in the centre of attack and after being a substitute in the last two, United’s no.9 will be raring to go with a point to prove.

Brighton – Danny Welbeck

Brighton have an array of talent who have impressed this season but it could be the former Manchester United man who has the final say on Thursday.

Much like Antony Martial, Welbeck’s career has been plagued by injuries but he’s played an important role at Brighton under Roberto De Zerbi – especially in the recent absence of Evan Ferguson. The 32-year-old is hitting form at the right time and is fresh off the back of a brace against Wolves last Saturday and goals against Chelsea and Brentford last month.

Welbeck has come back to haunt United on numerous occasions since his departure in 2014, he’ll be hoping to do the same again this evening.