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Man Utd team news vs Brighton: Predicted line up – Pogba doubt, Sanchez fitness race
MANCHESTER UNITED are sweating on the availability of a number of first-team players ahead of their Premier League clash with Brighton on Saturday (3pm).
Manchester United will hope to welcome several players back into action this weekend when they host Brighton at Old Trafford.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been dealing with an injury crisis since taking over the Red Devils last month, although availability now seems to be improving.
Eric Bailly could come straight back into the starting XI after serving a three-match suspension while Alexis Sanchez is in contention, having trained on Wednesday.
The Chilean missed the 1-0 win over Tottenham last weekend as he struggled to shift a troublesome hamstring injury but is keen to prove his fitness and play.
Chris Smalling is nearing a return to action but was not pictured during the latest session at Carrington, while there was also no sign of Nemanja Matic or Paul Pogba at the training ground.
The partners of both Matic and Pogba have reportedly given birth recently, potentially explaining the duo’s absence, although a report on the official Manchester United website stressed that they were not necessarily unavailable to face the Seagulls.
Marcos Rojo remains sidelined, having returned home to recover from injury, but Solskjaer should have a fully-fit squad otherwise.
The Norwegian may be tempted to field the same XI that withstood Spurs at Wembley, meaning Romelu Lukaku may have to be content with a spot on the bench.
Marcus Rashford should continue to lead the line while Jesse Linagrd and Anthony Martial are expected to offer support the England international.
Ander Herrera has done enough to retain his place in central midfield, although Marouane Fellaini, Fred or Scott McTominay could be called up if Matic is not selected.
At the back, Luke Shaw continues to impress on the left while Ashley Young has been keeping Antonio Valencia and Diogo Dalot out of the team.
The partnership of Phil Jones and Victor Lindelof have picked up clean sheets against Newcastle, Reading and Tottenham but may be broken up for the return of Bailly.
Manchester United predicted line-up vs Brighton & Hove Albion – Premier League
(4-2-3-1): De Gea; Young, Lindelof, Jones, Shaw; Herrera, Matic; Rashford, Pogba, Martial; Lukaku