1) Brighton can end 40 years of hurt
Manchester United and Brighton meeting at Wembley can only summon memories of the 1983 FA Cup final. Gordon Smith’s miss/Gary Bailey’s save, Ray Wilkins’ chip and maniacal celebration, Steve Foster’s ill-fated return from suspension for the replay, Ron Atkinson savouring the moment of United’s replay win. Halcyon days, but 40 years on two coaches who have hugely impressed in their first seasons in English football meet for the first time. With both Lisandro Martínez and Raphaël Varane missing, Roberto De Zerbi, with Alexis Mac Allister in midfield, leads Erik ten Hag on the number of World Cup winners available to him. Teams with a similarly attacking, high-pressing style to Brighton’s have caused Ten Hag’s team problems this season. With Evan Ferguson ruled out, the former Red Danny Welbeck will lead Brighton’s line against a patched-up defence. Ten Hag must hope Brighton freeze in the fashion Newcastle did in this season’s Carabao Cup final. The Seagulls return to the stage where they narrowly lost to Manchester City in 2019, but are a different proposition to Chris Hughton’s team, from which Lewis Dunk is the sole survivor. John Brewin
