EPL: Brighton v Manchester United preview

Brighton v Manchester United preview

Manchester United will be without leading scorer Romelu Lukaku when they travel to Brighton on Friday.

The striker, who has scored 16 Premier League goals this season, was forced off with an ankle injury during last weekend's 2-1 win over Arsenal at Old Trafford.

Victory over the Gunners ensured United will finish in the top four this season, but Brighton are still not guaranteed to stay in the Premier League.

 

The Seagulls are five points above the relegation zone having taken just three points from the last 18 on offer. However, victory in their final home game of the campaign would be enough to secure their survival.

"It's a challenge for us and what we wouldn't be silly enough to do is underestimate Manchester United's quality," said manager Chris Hughton.

 

"You've only got to see some of their performances - predominantly the second-half performances against Manchester City and Tottenham - we certainly can't underestimate them.

"You have to go into every game thinking you can get a result in whichever way. We will be buoyed by the performances up there, but they're in a really good rhythm at the moment and it will be an incredibly difficult game."

The two teams have met twice already this season, with United winning both meetings - 1-0 in the league in November and 2-0 in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup in March.

 

Midfielder Davy Propper returns from suspension for Brighton, having been unavailable for the last three matches following his red card against Huddersfield on April 7.

The hosts have no fresh injury concerns.

Lukaku is out for Manchester United while back-up goalkeeper Sergio Romero has been injured recently. Eric Bailly is fit to play despite missing out on the last two matchday squads.