Brighton v Man Utd – Preview, Predictions, and Best Bets

Brighton face Man Utd The Seagulls won their opening match having ended last term with one win in 10 in the EPL. United have won three successive league matches but have only won once in five league clashes vs Brighton.

Brighton Form

Brighton had a very tough end to last season. After four losses in six matches with two draws, a 1-0 home win over Aston Villa followed. Their season finished poorly as they drew 1-1 at Newcastle and lost 2-0 at home to Chelsea.

On the final day, Roberto De Zerbi oversaw his final match in charge. Brighton lost 2-0 at home to Man Utd. After a fine preseason with some big wins, including 4-0 vs Villarreal, they took three points last weekend. A 3-0 win at ten-man Everton came with just 1.43 xG from 62% of the ball.

Brighton Team News

The Seagulls have seven different injury woes for this match. Solly March is still injured on the wing and Bart Verbruggen is unavailable in goal. All of Pervis Estupinan, Tariq Lamptey, and Evan Ferguson are expected to miss out.

Yankuba Minteh was taken off in the first half last week and the winger is highly doubtful to return. Simon Adingra is set to take his place down the right. Midfielder Jack Hinshelwood is competing with Valentin Barco for the left-back role. French striker Georginio Rutter has signed for a club-record fee of £40m and could make his debut from the bench.

Brighton Motivation

Brighton had 62% of the ball last week but it remains to be seen how new coach Fabian Hurzeler intends to play.

The Seagulls will go for the win at home and have plenty of firepower in their squad to turn the result.

Man Utd Form

United are on a three-match winning streak in the league. After a run of two wins in 11 in league action, they won 3-2 vs Newcastle and 2-0 at Brighton in the last two matches of the 2023-24 season. The campaign was rounded off with a fine 2-1 FA Cup victory over Man City.

After a difficult preseason with three defeats, they lost on penalties to Man City in the Community Shield. A 1-1 draw saw a lead surrendered late in the clash. Last weekend, a late winner for Man Utd sealed three points in a 1-0 victory over Fulham. They produced 2.43 xG in a deserved win.

Man Utd Team News

United are still without Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia at left back so Diogo Dalot may deputise. The newly signed young defender, Leny Yoro, has been ruled out. Harry Maguire is battling Matthijs De Ligt to start at centre-back.

Erik Ten Hag has a doubt over Rasmus Hojlund up front. Joshua Zirkzee may make his first start in place of Mason Mount with Bruno Fernandes currently covering as a false nine.

Man Utd Motivation

United will play to win the match and won’t see a draw as a good result.

They will know the qualities of Brighton but don’t expect Ten Hag to play defensively. His side tends to be involved in open matches with space for both teams.

Key Stats

Brighton have lost 4 of their last 5 home EPL matches (unbeaten in 12 before that)

Brighton have just 2 wins in their last 11 league matches

Man Utd have lost 4 of their last 5 EPL matches vs Brighton

Man Utd have won their last 3 EPL matches (2 wins in 11 before that)

Verdict

This match could go any of the three ways. Both sides have the attackers to score at least once but United may edge this due to Brighton’s fullback injuries.