'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYGBgYHBgcICAcKCwoLCg8ODAwODxYQERAREBYiFRkVFRkVIh4kHhweJB42KiYmKjY+NDI0PkxERExfWl98fKf/2wBDAQYGBgYHBgcICAcKCwoLCg8ODAwODxYQERAREBYiFRkVFRkVIh4kHhweJB42KiYmKjY+NDI0PkxERExfWl98fKf/wgARCAAHAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFQABAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAb/xAAVAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADBv/aAAwDAQACEAMQAAAAmJYlg//EAB4QAQACAgEFAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECAwAEBiEiI5PS/9oACAEBAAE/AKOIVQ1bSzWqktk5QYPUGKRO4x4VvC+On2vzn//EABsRAAEEAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACEAAQIEBTFR/9oACAECAQE/AHy9oCGuL//EABoRAAEFAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADEAAQMREhT/2gAIAQMBAT8A6ZMsDYX/2Q=='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Manchester United will welcome Brighton & Hove Albion to Old Trafford in the FA Cup third round on Sunday. The hosts made it to the fifth round last season, while Brighton were eliminated from the quarterfinals.
United are unbeaten in their last four games. They played a third consecutive draw on Wednesday, as they were held to a 2-2 away draw by Burnley in the Premier League. Benjamin Šeško bagged a quick-fire brace in the second half, and Bruno Fernandes picked up his eighth assist of the league campaign.
The visitors are unbeaten in their last three games. They faced Manchester City in the Premier League on Wednesday and played out a 1-1 draw. They conceded in the 41st minute, and Kaoru Mitoma equalized for them in the second half.
Trending
Manchester United vs Brighton & Hove Albion Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- The two teams have crossed paths 36 times in all competitions. The hosts have the lead in the head-to-head record with 22 wins. The Seagulls have nine wins, and five games have ended in draws.
- They last met in the Premier League in October, and United secured a 4-2 home win.
- Four of the last five meetings between them have produced over 2.5 goals.
- Brighton & Hove Albion are winless in their last four away games. They have conceded two goals each in three games in that period.
- Manchester United have lost just one of their last nine games in all competitions.
- They have met eight times in the FA Cup. The hosts have an unbeaten record in these games, recording six wins.
- They last met in the FA Cup in the 2023 edition, and United secured a 7-6 win on penalties.
- The hosts have scored at least one goal in their last nine games, and they have kept just one clean sheet in that period.
Manchester United vs Brighton & Hove Albion Prediction
The Red Devils have drawn four of their last six games and will look to improve upon that record. They have suffered just two defeats at home this season, scoring at least one goal in the other eight games.
Matthijs de Ligt is the only injury concern for interim manager Darren Fletcher. Amad Diallo, Noussair Mazraoui, and Bryan Mbeumo remain unavailable due to the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Seagulls are unbeaten in their two games in 2026, scoring three goals, and will look to continue that form here. Notably, they have won three of their last four away meetings against United, scoring at least two goals in each of them.
Stefanos Tzimas, Adam Webster, Solomon March, and Mats Wieffer are injured, while Yankuba Minteh will undergo a late fitness test. Carlos Baleba won't be back in time for this match, just like his compatriot Mbeumo, after Cameroon were eliminated from the AFCON on Friday.
United have a good home record this season, and considering Brighton's struggles on their travels, we back the hosts to eke out a narrow win.
Prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Brighton & Hove Albion
Manchester United vs Brighton & Hove Albion Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - Manchester United to win
Tip 2: Goals - Over/Under 2.5 Goals - Over 2.5 goals
Tip 3: Both teams to score - Yes
Tip 4: At least one goal to be scored in the second half - Yes
