Brighton vs Man Utd: FA Cup semi-final team news and prediction

It’s an all-Premier League semi-final as European chasing Brighton and Manchester United meet at Wembley as they battle for a place in the FA Cup final. 

Ahead of this one, we provide the necessary pre-match information, including where to watch the top of the table clash, team news and probable XIs. 

When is kick off?       

Sunday 22nd April, 16:30 GMT.  

Where is the match?       

Wembley Stadium, London 

What TV channel is it on?       

BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website & app 

Form Guide 

Brighton come into this game having only lost two of their last 10 games in all competitions, winning six, including a 2-1 win at Chelsea last weekend. The last time the Seagulls were in an FA Cup semi-final was in 2019, but they haven't reached an FA Cup final since 1983. They knocked out last year's FA Cup winners, Liverpool, in the fourth round. 

Manchester United come into this game on the back of a Europa League exit, where they lost 5-2 on aggregate to Sevilla. Prior to that game they were unbeaten in four in all competitions. Only Arsenal (14) have won the FA Cup on more occasions than United (12). They last reached the FA Cup final in 2018, where they lost 1-0 to Chelsea. 

Team news 

Adam Lallana and Jeremey Sarmiento both remain ruled out due to injury, and are joined on the sidelines by Evan Ferguson and Joel Veltman. Tariq Lamptey will continue to miss out with a knee injury. Jason Steele missed the game against Chelsea because of a knock, so will have to be assessed. 

Donny van de Beek is ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury, while Phil Jones, Alejandro Garnacho, Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane all remain sidelined. Scott McTominay has missed the last few games with a knock, so will have to be assessed before this game, as will Anthony Martial, who came off injured against Sevilla. Harry Maguire will miss out here due to suspension. 

Probable XIs 

Brighton (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gross, Webster, Dunk, Estupinan; Mac Allister, Caicedo; March, Enciso, Mitoma; Welbeck. 

Manchester United (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Shaw, Dalot; Casemiro, Eriksen; Antony, Fernandes, Rashford; Weghorst. 

Key battle: Moises Caicedo vs Casemiro

Two of the Premier League’s top-rated midfielders, Moises Caicedo (7.03) and Casemiro (7.09), come up against one another in a match up which will be crucial in determining which side progresses to the next month's final.

Caicedo, who not so long ago was close to joining United, has been a key figure for the Seagulls this term. He has won possession in the midfield third 109 times in the Premier League this season, which is more than any player aged 21 and under in Europe's top five league, and ranks sixth overall in the Premier League. Furthermore, a combined total of 132 tackles and interceptions in the Premier League is only bettered by Joao Palhinha (142). His average of 1.2 key passes per game highlights how effective he can be in the final third, too.

Arguably one of United’s most vital summer signings, Casemiro has been a revelation for Erik ten Hag’s side this season. Though he has missed chunks of the season owing to suspension, when he has played, he has added security to the team. In terms of tackles, Casemiro is making one every 23.8 minutes in the Premier League this season, which only Joao Palhinha (22.3) can better of those to register at least 1000 minutes of game time. With an aerial success rate of 68.4%, Casemiro is effective with the ball on the deck or in the air. At the other end of the pitch, five goal contributions in 20 appearances is a steady return for a player who plays so deep.

There is every chance this midfield pairing could be playing together next season, but for the time being, they will be two of the most important players for their respective teams today.

Score prediction: Brighton 2-1 Manchester United