FA Cup semi-final: Brighton's 9.5m ace to start against Manchester United

By Frankie Elliott
Published 23rd Apr 2023, 15:56 BST
The Albion are aiming to reach their second-ever FA Cup final when they face Erik ten Hag’s side at Wembley, knowing a victory will book them a spot in the coveted match on June 3 against Manchester City. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)The Albion are aiming to reach their second-ever FA Cup final when they face Erik ten Hag’s side at Wembley, knowing a victory will book them a spot in the coveted match on June 3 against Manchester City. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
The Albion are aiming to reach their second-ever FA Cup final when they face Erik ten Hag’s side at Wembley, knowing a victory will book them a spot in the coveted match on June 3 against Manchester City. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Julio Enciso will make his third start for Brighton at Wembley this afternoon as they attempt to make their first FA Cup final in forty years.

The Paraguayan forward has been named in Roberto De Zerbi’s starting line-up for the semi-final with Manchester United, knowing a victory will book them a spot in the final on June 3 against Manchester City.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Enciso grabbed the headlines last weekend in Brighton’s 2-1 win against Chelsea, when he won the game for the Seagulls with a thirty-yard wonder strike.

The 19-year-old joined Brighton last summer from Libertad for £9.5m and has only started games in the EFL Cup this year, against Forest Green and Arsenal.

Enciso grabbed the headlines last weekend in Brighton’s 2-1 win against Chelsea, when he won the game for the Seagulls with a thirty-yard wonder strike. . (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)Enciso grabbed the headlines last weekend in Brighton’s 2-1 win against Chelsea, when he won the game for the Seagulls with a thirty-yard wonder strike. . (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Enciso grabbed the headlines last weekend in Brighton’s 2-1 win against Chelsea, when he won the game for the Seagulls with a thirty-yard wonder strike. . (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

He has made a total 16 appearance in all competitions this season, scoring two goals.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Enciso comes in for Joel Veltman, who has been named among the substitutes, after he came off with an injury in the Chelsea win.

Evan Ferguson was also stretched off the Stamford Bridge and has not recovered in time for today’s game, meaning Danny Welbeck is recalled the side, having scored the equaliser last Saturday.

HAVE YOU READ THIS?

Manchester United's predicted line-up against Brighton includes two star players back from injury and suspension

The eight Brighton regulars in danger of missing FA Cup semi-final against Man United

Data experts predict how FA Cup will unfold for Sheffield United, Man City, Brighton and Man United after twist

Pascal Gross is expected to fill in at right-back, With Dunk and Webster remaining as the preferred centre-back pairing, and Estupinan on the left.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Robert Sanchez also remains in goal, having been re-called to the side last Saturday, as Jason Steele returns to the squad on the bench, after being out for a week with a knock.

Mac Allister will drop back into his defensive midfielder role, alongside Moises Caicedo, with Solly March and Karou Mitoma playing in their regular winger roles.

Related topics:BrightonJoel VeltmanManchester UnitedWembleyManchester CityChelsea