Manchester United will be looking for a third straight win in all competitions when they host Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday afternoon.
The Red Devils succeeded impressively victory of ten players in the penalty shootout over Arsenal in the FA Cup third round last weekend, followed by a less than impressive one 3-1 win over bottom side Southampton in the Premier League on Thursday night.
United were booed at half-time against the Saints as they found a goal behind against the division’s bottom scorers, but Amado Diallo’s late 12-minute hat-trick ensured an important although inconclusive victory.
The Red Devils have lost their last two meetings at Old Trafford with Brighton and were beaten at the American Express Stadium in August after Joao Pedro’s winner in the 95th minute.
Here’s how United could be in line for the key clash.
GK: Andre Onana – One of the few to leave Old Trafford with his dignity intact on Thursday night, pulling off a couple of impressive saves to deny Southampton. He will be tested often by Brighton, who average 4.9 shots on goal per game in the Premier League.
CB: Matthijs de Ligt – Man Utd’s defensive unit had a hot time for much of Thursday’s encounter, but De Ligt produced the most respectable performance in the back line. The Dutchman will have to keep a close eye on Pedro and potentially former Red Devil Danny Welbeck.
CB: Harry Maguire – Leny Yoro was given a turn by Southampton’s Kamaldeen Sulemana and United desperately lacked the security of Maguire in defence.
CB: Lisandro Martinez – Martinez seemed perfectly suited to the left-side three centre-back slot, but struggled under Amorim. The diminutive defender’s lack of aerial authority has also been exposed in recent weeks.
RM: Diogo Dalot – The Portuguese was suspended on Thursday after being needlessly sent off in the FA Cup last weekend. Amorim should restore his compatriot to the starting line-up, allowing Amado to progress further.
CM: Christian Eriksen – Manuel Ugarte scored an own goal and had a generally uninspiring performance against Southampton. Suspended after 54 minutes, he could have been replaced by Eriksen, who managed to assist from the bench.
CM: Kobbie Mainoo – Mainoo was withdrawn even earlier than his midfield partner against Southampton. The youngster has produced excellent results this term as he looks to build on after an outstanding debut campaign.
LM: Noussair Mazraoui – Mazraoui had a passable performance on Thursday and at least won most of his one-on-one battles. He will be wary of some speedy opposition wings this weekend, including Simon Adingra and Yankuba Minteh.
RF: Amad Diallo – So often United’s savior during a miserable season, Amad was on hand to pull the Red Devils off again in midweek with a fine hat-trick.
ST: Joshua Zirkzee – Rasmus Hojlund endured a poor night against Southampton’s usually porous defence, and Zirkzee immediately came into his own after replacing his centre-half. Such a cameo could earn him a start against Galebov.
LF: Bruno Fernandes – Always full of effort and invention, delivering impressive performances against Liverpool and Arsenal in recent outings. Another eye-catching performance against Brighton is needed this weekend.
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