The chase for the UEFA Europa Conference League will be Manchester United’s focus on Sunday when they take on Brighton and Hove Albion on the final day of the Premier League season.
United are in eighth place and just three points behind Chelsea in sixth place, but need favors to beat the Blues. If they beat 10th-placed Brighton, United will need Chelsea to lose to Bournemouth and will have to overcome the +16 goals advantage that the Blues pride themselves on. However, another eight goals could be needed if Newcastle United enter the picture. They are level on points with United and if they beat Brentford and Chelsea lose, the Magpies will have a goal difference advantage.
Here’s what you need to know before you tune in.
How to watch and odds
- Date: Sunday May 19 | Time: 11am ET
- Place: American Express Stadium – Brighton and Hove, England
- TV: CNBC | Live stream: Fubo (Try for free)
- Chances: Brighton and Hove Albion +110; Sign +310; Manchester United +200
Storylines
United’s chaotic season reached a surprising climax on Wednesday when they snapped a three-match winless run with a 3-2 victory over Newcastle. The match may have featured trademark instability in defence, but Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo and Rasmus Hojlund helped United snap a two-match winless streak.
It could breathe new life into United with just two games remaining, including next week’s FA Cup final against Manchester City, especially if they need a result to even be in the hunt for Europe. Their chances of finishing sixth are almost nil, especially as the goal difference will be difficult to overcome, but if they find good form on Sunday they could perhaps demonstrate something next week at Wembley Stadium, where a trophy – and a Europa League -berth is on the line.
However, United’s biggest problem is that they are as inconsistent as they come. Wednesday’s win was only their second in their last nine in the competition, and although they have scored 16 times in that period, they have conceded 19 goals along the way. There is little time left to fix the problem, so their ability to survive their major flaw will be something to keep an eye on against Brighton.
Prediction
Brighton have slowed down a bit in recent weeks so they may not be United’s biggest threat, but the Red Devils’ tendency to concede means they won’t make things easy for themselves, even after a big win. Choose: Brighton and Hove Albion 1, Manchester United 2
