This is a replica of the 1983 EFL Cup final, so it is of great significance to Brighton, a small and medium-sized club. As United visit Westville in midweek for the second leg of the UEFA Europa League last 8, Brighton have a week to prepare for the match, which is a clear advantage.
I think Brighton played well against Chelsea in the last round of the league. Leader Dixby is leading the team with a great strategy, every player is eager to touch the ball and try to perform, they are confident in controlling the ball and have the ability to score goals on the opponent. In addition, their attacking position is flexible and smooth, and they are able to penetrate the opponent's defense with rolling passes, and they are also quite threatening from the side. Kaoru Mitaka is definitely one of the most successful acquisitions this season. The wing forward has excellent ball control skills and is able to get away from the opposing defenders with his individual skills, so whether Daloji or Yun Bishaka is playing in the right position, they will be very busy in this match.
The big worry for Brighton is that young striker Ewan Ferguson will be out with an injury this season, but with Verbeek supposed to be a regular in the lineup against his old club Manchester United, I believe he's still a big threat.
In the midfield, there will also be a lot of clashes, and the fight between Moses Carmichael and Gonzo Fernandes could be one of the elements that will affect the outcome of this game, and I'm really looking forward to seeing Casimiru battle with World Cup winner Alexei Maia Rizzi. With Rashford back from injury against Xavier, in other words, Tannhäuser may give him a start, or he may consider partnering him with Anthony Martial, who has been in great form since his return.
It will be a tight affair, with both sides expected to be tied in the 90th minute, but the Red Devils can build on their experience of winning the EFL Cup at Wembley Stadium in February and beat the Seagulls in extra time to make it to the final once again.
