FA Cup: Brighton have great opportunity in semi-final against United

Roberto De Zerbi’s men prepare to take on Manchester United on Sunday, their second FA Cup semi-final in four years, although only Lewis Dunk remains from that matchday squad.

Compared to the fairly dull 1-0 loss in 2018-19 where Albion conceded early against Manchester City, this time round could be seen as a more mouth-watering prospect.

Albion were relegated just before their last FA Cup final in 1983 and only just escaped relegation in that final season under Hughton.

But their impressive season so far, including several victories against the traditional top six, makes this semi-final their best chance of making one more step towards their first ever major trophy.

Although getting past United will most likely entail playing Manchester City in the final.

Albion in their semi final against Man City in 2018/19

Michel Kuipers, Albion keeper for a decade from 2000 to 2010, said the “gap has closed” between Brighton and many of England’s top sides.

He told The Argus: “The club has evolved fantastically. The chairman and board have done a fantastic job. This season the manager has done very well and the recruitment team has played a big part in closing the gap from where we are compared to Manchester City and Manchester United.

“Even compared to when we played Manchester City in the semi-final the gap has closed.

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“It’s amazing to see that progress and hopefully it will continue where they are in the elite group of teams competing for European football every season.

“In terms of the match, there hasn’t been a better opportunity to win a major trophy since that day in the FA Cup final back in 1983.

“For the team, they’re playing in a clear way with such a philosophy. They invite the opposition to press to allow them to play out from the back and through the lines.

“It is great to see how far the club has come. People here in the gym, we talk about it all the time."

Kuipers himself, who is now 48 and co-owns PHX Gym in Hollingbury, is able to weigh in with his own experience of being an Albion hero.

Michel Kuipers at PHX Gym Brighton which he co-owns (Image: The Argus)

He was at the club during three promotions, one from League Two and two to the Championship.

Kuipers was the shootout hero when he saved Michael Ball’s penalty against Manchester City in September 2008.

The game was 1-1 in normal time and finished 2-2 after extra time with City pegging Albion back through Stephen Ireland.

Kuipers saved from Ball and Albion loanee Matt Richards scored the winning penalty to beat the Premier League side.

Kuipers and Albion players embrace after they beat Man City

Kuipers added: “I remember Michael Ball taking a penalty and I saved it. It was basically the winning penalty but we did have to score one more.

"It was a fantastic day for the supporters and the club as well. It was great to speak about how important it was to get the new stadium.

“When I saved it, obviously you are ecstatic but we had to score the winning penalty too.

“Everyone came on the pitch and celebrated. It was a special day. We have had many special days but in terms of cup games that was really special.”

Brighton play Manchester United at Wembley on Sunday at 4.30pm.