Only two games now remain for Manchester United this term. But, as we approach the climax of a season in which they seem destined to finish sixth-place in the Premier League, United still haven't even managed to engineer a streak of three consecutive wins across all competitions.
A convincing Monday night win against Brentford, who had previously lost only once in their seven matches prior, could galvanise United to end the season on a high note. Ralf Rangnick has admitted, "What I liked about the game is you could see that they had fun playing together, that they were enjoying themselves on the pitch and this is exactly the kind of approach we need."
However, Graham Potter’s Brighton & Hove Albion will prove a tough test for United ahead of an unusual two-week break before the season finale against Crystal Palace, with the south coast outfit currently on a run of only one loss in six games. Having won four of their opening five league matches, they did falter and failed to win across a run of 13 games, more recently enduring five consecutive losses before finding themselves revitalised recently.
As a result of their recent form, Brighton are back inside the top half of the Premier League in ninth-place - considerably on-track for their best ever top-flight finish.
Brighton's home form, with no wins in eight matches at the Amex Stadium, has left plenty still to be desired. But United have lost their past four Premier League away games, which is their worst run on the road in over 40 years. Regardless, head-to-head records would suggest United should be favoured to come out on top having beaten Brighton in each of the last seven meetings, including a 2-0 win at Old Trafford in mid-February.
United have been dealt a blow by way of Marcus Rashford suffering a bout of "bronchitis with high temperatures" according to Rangnick. Meanwhile, on a contrary note, Harry Maguire has trained all week after a minor knee injury and is available for selection once more. Eric Bailly is a doubt due to a back issue, whilst Luke Shaw and Paul Pogba remain sidelined.
Brighton are set to be without Enock Mwepu and Jeremy Sarmiento.
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