Brighton vs Manchester United verdict, predicted score, key stats and suggested bets

While Man Utd are pretty comfortable in fourth, a win for eighth-placed Brighton will really enhance their own European aspirations.

Premier League, Thursday May 4, Kick-off 8.00pm, live on Sky Sports Main Event

Brighton to win and both teams to score

Brighton to score first

Winning margin - one goal

Brighton have won the last two Premier League meetings against Manchester United.

Manchester United have won four of their last five Premier League outings.

Only Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham have scored more Premier League goals than Brighton this season.

Manchester United have won just three of their last eight away games (all competitions).

Brighton will be hoping to have Evan Ferguson back in the fold in time for Thursday's game. The forward is being assessed, although he remains a doubt.

Adam Lallana, Jakub Moder, Jeremy Sarmiento, Enock Mwepu, Joel Veltman and Tariq Lamptey are all expected to miss out.

Manchester United will continue to be without Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane.

Alejandro Garnacho won't recover in time for the trip to Brighton, although Scott McTominay could return to action.

Manchester United aren't exactly looking over their shoulder when it comes to the top four race, but the Red Devils could certainly do with a few more wins to ensure Champions League qualification.

Erik ten Hag's men have won four of their last five Premier League outings, keeping a clean sheet in all those successes.

Last weekend, United were able to earn a 1-0 victory over in-form Aston Villa to build a seven-point cushion in the top four race.

Brighton, on the other hand, returned to winning ways last Saturday by thumping Wolves 6-0.

The Seagulls let out all their recent frustrations in what proved to be the best win of Roberto De Zerbi's managerial career - his words, now ours.

Brighton's European ambitions had suffered a recent blip as the team fell to league defeats against Tottenham and Nottingham Forest, plus an FA Cup disappointment against United.

The battle for fifth and sixth is remarkably congested with Liverpool, Tottenham, Brighton, Aston Villa and Brentford all sitting within a few points of each other.

Nevertheless, the Seagulls will be considered strong candidates considering they have played three fewer games than Spurs, the Villans and the Bees.

Brighton will also fancy their chances against United on Thursday. De Zerbi's men have won their last two Premier League outings against the Red Devils, including a 4-0 demolition in their most recent encounter at the Amex.

United have been all over the place when it comes to their away form, winning three of their last eight matches on the road.

With that in mind, our recommendation is to back the hosts in the outright market. Brighton to win and both teams to score is another enticing bet.

READ MORE: Roberto De Zerbi flattered by Julen Lopetegui's compliments and credits his players