Brighton Seek European Glory Against Carrick's Settled United

Michael Carrick has landed the permanent gig at Manchester United following his impressive mid-season turnaround, and he'll take his charges to the Amex on Sunday for the season's grand finale.

The Red Devils have already wrapped up third place and Champions League football, courtesy of Carrick's arrival and the upturn in fortunes that followed. Brighton, meanwhile, still have everything to play for—a victory would secure European football for only the second time in the club's history, with spots available across all three continental competitions.

Match Details

Sunday's encounter kicks off at 4pm BST on May 24 at the Amex, with Sky Sports Tennis covering proceedings from 2pm.

Brighton's Injury Update

Mats Wieffer is poised to return from an ankle complaint that sidelined him for the last two matches, and should slot back in at right-back in place of Joel Veltman. Diego Gomez has shaken off a knee injury and could feature in the starting XI after coming off the bench against Leeds. Kaoru Mitoma remains unavailable through a hamstring strain, while Adam Webster and Stefanos Tzimas are ruled out with ligament damage.

United's Absentees and Squad Plans

Casemiro has played his final match for the club following the emotional send-off after last week's 3-2 triumph over Nottingham Forest, with Carrick now confirming the midfielder's departure. Either Manuel Ugarte or Mason Mount will partner Kobbie Mainoo in the engine room—Mainoo having earned a spot in Thomas Tuchel's 26-man World Cup squad for England.

Benjamin Sesko is a doubt with a shin injury after missing the last two games, while Matthijs de Ligt remains sidelined following back surgery. Carrick has indicated he'll hand opportunities to young prospects, with Shea Lacey, Tyler Fletcher and Jim Thwaites expected to feature in the squad.

The Form Guide

Brighton have claimed three victories in their last four Premier League home games against United, with odds of 17/20 reflecting their status as favourites. United are 3/1 to secure an away win, while a draw sits at 16/5.

These sides have already clashed twice this campaign—United romped to a 4-2 victory in the league fixture, though Brighton exacted revenge by eliminating them from the FA Cup third round in January. That defeat prompted Carrick's arrival, and he's since accumulated more Premier League points than any manager in the division.

Still, United's away form has been patchy lately, with just two wins in their last six road trips. With third place already confirmed, motivation could prove an issue. Brighton, conversely, are hungry for that European berth.

Players in Focus

Danny Welbeck is on the verge of his 400th Premier League appearance and boasts a stellar record against his former employers, with eight goals in all competitions. He's 6/5 to find the net at any point.

Bruno Fernandes matched the Premier League assists record for a single season with his 20th of the campaign during the Forest victory. He also registered an assist in the FA Cup meeting between these sides and sits at 15/8 to claim a record-breaking 21st league assist.

The Prediction

Brighton's hunger for European football, combined with their strong home record, makes them the pick here. We're backing a Seagulls victory with both sides getting on the scoresheet at 2/1.