One for the Neutrals – Manchester United vs Brighton Predictions and Best Odds

Manchester United meet Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday looking to put a tough start to the season behind them. The Red Devils trail their opponents by three points at this early stage of the term but will be happy to be back on home soil after collecting two wins from two at home in the Premier League thus far. Read on for Last Word on Football’s predictions for Manchester United vs Brighton and the best odds for the match at Old Trafford.

Manchester United vs Brighton Predictions and Best Odds in Premier League Clash

Watch: What Manchester United could learn from Brighton

Manchester United Run of Form

Before the international break, Erik ten Hag’s team lost 3-1 at Arsenal thanks to two late goals from the Gunners. It was another disappointing away performance and follows on from the timid performance in defeat at Tottenham. The club has been plagued by off-the-field issues to date in this relatively short campaign and it appears that some of those negative press is beginning to affect on-field matters.

The only real positive is victories in both home fixtures, against Wolves and Nottingham Forest. It must be mentioned that performances in both games were far from ideal, so significant question marks are hanging over this team’s capabilities heading into the weekend. Rasmus Hojlund may make his first start, adding some energy to what has been a lethargic front line in the opening four games.

The injury list is beginning to grow and will hamper Ten Hag’s options with the likes of Mason Mount, Antony, Jadon Sancho, and Raphael Varane, who are certain to miss out. This could be a big game for squad players such as Harry Maguire, Alejandro Garnacho and Christian Eriksen who are not considered first choice when the squad is at full strength.

Tactically, it may be interesting to see how the manager plays this one, with no traditional right winger available. Scott McTominay has not been favoured for selection but the struggle in midfield has been well documented and the Scottish international has the right attributes to fill the holes, with Brighton very comfortable on the ball and looking favourite to dominate possession unless changes are made.

Brighton Run of Form

Roberto De Zerbi’s side have been playing some free-flowing football in their opening Premier League games. They have collected nine points, with the only defeat coming at home against a resurgent West Ham United. In their last fixture, Champions League opposition Newcastle United were beaten 3-1 in the Amex Stadium, highlighting that the Seagulls may have European ambitions again this season.

Ireland international Evan Ferguson bagged a hat-trick against the Magpies and if fit, his movement and finishing is a match made in heaven for fans up against a makeshift United defence. Kaoru Mitoma and Solly March have had excellent starts to the season and will carry a massive threat to their opponents’ fullbacks. The only real concern is that the defence has not looked watertight, with no clean sheets after the club’s opening fixtures.

Pascal Gross will have a big say in who comes out on top. The 32-year-old has had an impressive start, scoring in the defeat against the Hammers but will need to sit in to contain the likes of Hojlund and Bruno Fernandes. There may be a cameo from loan signing Ansu Fati after the exciting winger joined from Barcelona.

Recent Head-to-Head

Brighton have won three of the last five meetings. This included a 2-1 victory at Old Trafford in what was Ten Hag’s first Premier League game in charge. Gross scored both goals on this occasion. It took a late penalty from Alexis Mac Allister, now of Liverpool, to seal a 1-0 home victory for the Seagulls in the most recent fixture in May. The most impressive victory of the trio was a 4-0 win in May 2022 when Manchester United were floundering to the end of the season under Ralf Rangnick.

Portugal duo Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes scored the goals in the Red Devils’ most recent league victory over this weekend’s opponents in February 2022. However, the most significant victory came in April when they beat Brighton on penalties in the FA Cup semi-final. They were flawless in the shoot-out after a 0-0 draw at Wembley Stadium, scoring all seven from the spot in a 7-6 win on penalties.

Manchester United vs Brighton Prediction

This one could be a cracker. Both sides’ style of play could open the door for many goal-scoring opportunities. The home side are devasting on the counter-attack and the opposition can be susceptible at the back. The pace of Marcus Rashford and the work-rate of Hojlund should cause trouble for the away side throughout.

There are many weaknesses though, in this Manchester United side and they will be exposed again here. Sofyan Amrabat may help to shore up the midfield if available, but if not, expect Brighton to see a lot of the ball. The home crowd will roar on their side and playing in front of their home fans should motivate the players to pick up a result here. Both teams will likely get on the scoresheet but a draw is the most likely outcome.