Brighton Chase Europe as Amorim’s In-Form United Target Fifth Straight Win at the Amex

Brighton go into tomorrow's finale needing the points to lock down seventh place, while Manchester United arrive already safe in third and looking to make it four wins from their last five league outings under Ruben Amorim. The American Express Community Stadium will still feel the tension, with Arsenal already champions but plenty of eyes on how both clubs close out the campaign.

F. Hürzeler has steadied Brighton’s home form to a 9-6-3 record at the Amex. Pascal Groß remains the metronome in a familiar 4-2-3-1, with Kaoru Mitoma stretching the touchline and full backs encouraged to press on because Hürzeler trusts Jan Paul van Hecke and Lewis Dunk to manage the space behind. Danny Welbeck is the likely spearhead, with Georginio Rutter a lively alternative if Brighton want extra direct running late on.

United have matched consistency with pragmatism: 68 points, the league’s third-best return, and only four away defeats all season. Amorim has kept faith with a 3-box-3 in possession even when the teamsheet calls it a 4-2-3-1, allowing Bruno Fernandes to roam between the lines while Benjamin Šeško provides a focal point. Altay Bayındır’s distribution has improved the tempo from deep, and Amorim will again ask Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo to patrol the middle channels against Brighton’s rotations.

The tactical duel should hinge on midfield circulation. Groß versus Fernandes is the headline act, but watch how Lisandro Martínez steps into midfield to create overloads. If Brighton win enough second balls, their full backs can isolate Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw; if they do not, United will spring quickly toward Šeško.

Set pieces remain a swing factor. Brighton’s rehearsed routines suit Groß and Mitoma, while Manchester United lean on Harry Maguire’s near-post dominance. Winning first contacts in those scenarios could tilt the balance in what projects as a tight contest.

Elsewhere near the summit the focus shifts to Manchester City against Aston Villa, though United are already out of reach in third. Attention at the Amex stays on whether Brighton can close the day in Europa League territory on their own terms.

Brighton press high and look to trap the first pass, so Amorim may consider Amad Diallo’s pace for transitional thrust. Hürzeler could counter with a double pivot of Mats Wieffer and Carlos Baleba if he wants extra security in build-up. Final plans will crystallise with the morning squad announcements, but the frameworks are clear: Hürzeler seeks width and control; Amorim is chasing tempo and ruthless transitions.

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Final word: both clubs are already sketching summer tweaks, but Sunday still matters. Brighton can seal Europa League football with a result, and United can carry momentum into Amorim’s first full preseason. Check back once the teamsheets drop tomorrow.