- Bruno Fernandes is chasing a Premier League assist record at the Amex
- Brighton & Hove Albion need victory to secure European football
- Fabian Hurzeler confident Brighton can keep Manchester United star quiet
Brighton & Hove Albion know exactly where the danger lies this Sunday but there is growing confidence that Fabian Hurzeler and his players can rise to the challenge.
Manchester United arrive at the Amex Stadium with Bruno Fernandes closing in on Premier League history after another outstanding campaign for the Red Devils.
The Portuguese midfielder registered his 20th assist of the season during United’s dramatic 3-2 win against Nottingham Forest last weekend, drawing level with the single season Premier League record shared by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.
Another assist on the south coast would see Fernandes take the record outright but Brighton will feel they have every chance of frustrating the United captain and ending the season on a high.
The Seagulls still have European football firmly in their sights and the Amex crowd will be expecting a front foot performance against Michael Carrick’s side.
Read more: Tommy Watson attracting loan interest after difficult Brighton start
Fabian Hurzeler confident Brighton can limit Fernandes
Hurzeler acknowledged Fernandes’ quality ahead of Sunday’s clash but made it clear Brighton have a plan to reduce his influence.
Speaking during his pre Manchester United press conference, the Brighton boss explained that discipline and intensity will be key if Albion are to keep Fernandes under control.
“You need to take the joy away from him,” Hurzeler told reporters in his pre Manchester United press conference.
“Take the spaces away but even then he tries to find small margins where he can be effective.”
Fernandes has undoubtedly been one of the Premier League’s standout creators this season but Brighton’s aggressive pressing style and energy at the Amex could make life uncomfortable for the 31 year old.
If Albion can stop the ball reaching Fernandes in dangerous areas there is every reason to believe they can keep Manchester United quiet.
Also read: Manchester United already exposed Brighton’s biggest final-day risk
Bruno Fernandes warning comes with Brighton belief
There is no shortage of respect for Fernandes inside the Brighton camp but there is also a belief that Albion can dictate the game themselves.
Brighton have been strong at the Amex this season and Hurzeler called on supporters to deliver one final push as the Seagulls chase European qualification.
“I hope we all can give us a last push,” Hurzeler said ahead of Sunday’s clash with Manchester United.
“We all can really stick together one more time. We all can create an atmosphere a very energetic and powerful atmosphere where it’s difficult to play in and then we hopefully can celebrate together afterwards.”
With Europe on the line and the Amex expected to be rocking, Brighton will back themselves to spoil Fernandes’ record bid and finish the campaign in style.
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