FA Cup Betting Picks: Man United v Brighton Prediction

January 11, 2026

Historically, the FA Cup betting picks have generated huge returns as surprises in football’s oldest tournament are de facto guaranteed. We have prepared the most precise Man United v Bright prediction and betting analysis that should set you off to a great start. Manchester United enter today’s FA Cup tie in chaos but with renewed attacking spark under caretaker Darren Fletcher, while Brighton arrive with better performances than results after drawing Manchester City midweek. The latest reports show United boosted by Bruno Fernandes’ return and Sesko’s form, whereas Brighton remain dangerous but inconsistent. Expect a tight, high‑tempo match with goals at both ends.

Check our other top betting pick for today with the Fiorentina v Milan prediction and make a wining parlay bet.

🏆 FA Cup: Manchester United vs Brighton — Detailed Prediction (Jan 11, 2026)

(All factual details sourced from the latest previews and team news: NBC Sports, Sports Mole, ManUtd.com, The Stats Zone, Standard Sport, Tips.GG, SI.com, MightyTips.)

🔥 Current Context & Form

Manchester United

Coming off a 2–2 draw vs Burnley in Fletcher’s first match as caretaker.
Benjamin Sesko scored a brace, showing a major uptick in form under new management.
Bruno Fernandes returned from injury and is expected to start today.
United have had a chaotic week: Amorim sacked, Fletcher interim, Solskjær and Carrick being considered for caretaker roles.
Home form is shaky: only 20% home win rate this season, conceding 1.40 goals per match at Old Trafford.

Brighton

Drew 1–1 away at Manchester City, and were “by far the better side” according to multiple reports.
League form: 1 win in last 8, but performances have been stronger than results.
Hürzeler’s Brighton remain tactically brave, possession‑oriented, and aggressive in pressing.
Historically strong vs United in recent years.

🧠 Tactical Breakdown

Manchester United

Fletcher has encouraged more vertical, direct attacking play.
Sesko’s movement + Fernandes’ creativity gives United a sharper edge.
Defensive issues remain:
- Conceding 1.40 goals per home match
- Vulnerable to wide overloads and cutbacks
United will rely heavily on transitions and individual quality.

Brighton

Expect Brighton to dominate possession phases.
Their pressing structure caused City major problems midweek.
United’s shaky buildup under pressure is a clear vulnerability.
Brighton’s issue: turning dominance into goals.
- Only 17% win rate across last six matches for both teams.
Brighton’s wide rotations and midfield overloads will trouble United’s defensive shape.

🔑 Key Player Matchups

Sesko vs Brighton CBs

Sesko is in his best form of the season after his Burnley brace.
Brighton’s centre‑backs struggle against pace and aerial threat.

Bruno Fernandes vs Brighton Midfield

His return is a major boost for United’s creativity and set‑piece threat.

Brighton’s wide players vs United’s full‑backs

United’s full‑backs have been inconsistent.
Brighton’s rotations in wide areas are their best route to chances.

📊 Expected Match Flow

Brighton control possession (55–60%).
United threaten in transitions and set pieces.
Both teams create chances; neither keeps clean sheets consistently.
Momentum swings likely — Brighton’s control vs United’s direct threat.

Expected Lineups and Team Overviews

Manchester United: Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount, and Kobbie Mainoo made a strong return to action at Burnley, while Harry Maguire stood as an unused substitute. In the upcoming match, the team will navigate the absence of Matthijs de Ligt due to injury. Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo Traore, and Bryan Mbeumo are proudly representing their national teams at AFCON.

Brighton: Stefanos Tzimas, Adam Webster, Solomon March, Mats Wieffer, and Yankuba Minteh Moat missed the previous games with injuries. They should remain sidelined. Carlos Baleba is still at the AFCON with his NT. On the positive side, Joel Veltman and Charalampos Kostoulas have recovered from their injuries. They missed the previous game vs Manchester United. Now, they will be available.

Solly March and Mats Wieffer will be unavailable for Brighton due to ongoing injuries. Meanwhile, manager Hurzeler is weighing the options and expecting to make a late call on Yankuba Minteh’s availability. The coaching staff is closely monitoring Minteh’s recovery to determine whether he can contribute to the squad in this crucial fixture.

The Seagulls will be expected to field a changed line-up from their 1-1 draw at Manchester City on Wednesday.

Manchester United possible starting lineup:

Bayindir; Dalot, Maguire, Yoro, Shaw; Mainoo, Ugarte; Cunha, Fernandes, Dorgu; Sesko

Brighton & Hove Albion possible starting lineup:

Steele; Veltman, Dunk, Boscagli, De Cuyper; Milner, Gross; Mitoma, Gomez, Watson; Welbeck

🔮 Score Prediction

Based on form, squad news, and tactical matchup:

Most Likely Scorelines

1–1
2–1 Manchester United
2–2

Brighton’s performances have been better than their results. However, United’s attacking pieces, including Sesko and Bruno, give them a slight edge at Old Trafford.

Predicted Result: Manchester United 2–1 Brighton