Stephens: It Would Be A Memorable Night

Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Dale Stephens believes sealing survival with victory over Manchester United at the Amex Stadium would be a perfect way to top off the club’s first season in the Premier League.

The Seagulls know that three points against the Red Devils will guarantee their status as a Premier League club for next season, and Stephens is confident that a positive result can be achieved on the south coast.

He said, “It’s going to be a tough game, but it’s like a one-off game and there could be a cup final atmosphere.

“If we manage to win, we stay up. That’s added motivation on our behalf, but we’ve got three games to do what we need to do, and everyone in the squad is confident that we can do it.

“It would be a memorable night for everybody and top off all of the hard work that’s gone on during the season.

“If you could pick a game to do it, and a night to do it, it would probably be Manchester United at the Amex.”

Stephens has been an integral part of Albion’s side this season, featuring in 33 Premier League games, and the midfielder commented on the team’s confidence when playing at the Amex.

“It’s an important game for us and I’m happy that we’re playing at home. Generally, we’ve played very well in our home games throughout the season.

“Over the course of the season, we probably feel hard done by that we’re not already safe. We’ve been unlucky more times than we’ve been fortunate.

“Personally, I think we should already be out of it, but we’re not. We’ve still got three games left to get another couple of points and it’s in our own hands.

“We played very well against them in both away games, so we’ll go into this match full of confidence.”

The Red Devils occupy second spot in the Premier League ahead of this Friday’s game, and Stephens praised the quality of Jose Mourinho’s team, who have also reached the Emirates FA Cup Final.

“They’re a top team, full of top players. They’re second in this division only to Manchester City, who everyone is describing as a special team, and rightly so.

“They’ve got a manager that loves to win games. Whether they’re playing badly or having a good run of form, they’re still picking up results and that’s what good teams do.

“It’s a giant of a football club - probably the biggest football club in the country and Europe, so it’s a special game for myself to play in.”

Stephens played 90 minutes in Albion’s league visit to Old Trafford back in November, and the 28-year-old spoke about his midfield opponent that day - Paul Pogba - who signed for United for £89 million.

“People talk about the price tag, but he’s one of the best players in this division and in Europe as well.

“His performances are always going to come under scrutiny because of the type of character that he is.

“But there’s no doubt about his ability. He’s still young and I’m sure he’ll prove his worth over the coming years for Manchester United.”