Brighton Vs Manchester United preview: Manchester United will hope to continue on winning ways as they prepare to take on Brighton in their second 2024-25 Premier League fixture.
The Red Devils needed a late goal from a new signing from Bologna, Joshua Zirkzee, to scrape past Fulham in the opening fixture. The Dutch’s goal ensured the Manchester-based outfit kick off their campaign on a winning note but another tough test awaits them at the Falmer Stadium against the Seagulls.
It will be a cracker as the two teams lock horns. Brighton roared to victory in their Premier League opener against Everton away at Goodison Park.
Goals from Kaoru Mitoma, Danny Welbeck, and Adingra saw the visitors tear apart the 10-man hosts with a thumping 3-0 victory.
Coming at the back of opening victories, it promises to be a rollercoaster as the two teams prepare to slug it out in the six-pointer clash on Saturday 24, 2024.
Brighton Vs Manchester United head-to-head
Apart from the FA Cup clash between the two teams on April 23, 2023, which ended on a barren note after regulation time, the last five matches between them have ended in victories.
On August 7, 2022, United lost their Premier League opener against the Seagulls at home, suffering a 2-1 defeat. On May 4, 2023, the reverse fixture ended in another narrow win for Brighton. The win saw the Seagulls complete a first league double over the Old Trafford club.
Again, United lost a third consecutive Premier League fixture against Brighton on September 16, 2023, losing 1-3 at home. They would later avenge the loss on May 19, 2024, seeing off the club with a 2-0 away victory.
Also, the two sides will head into this match on the back of contradictory fortunes. Brighton have won all their last five games while United have lost two, and won three
Brighton Vs Manchester United Team News
Brighton will head into this match with four players on the sidelines. Minteh is out with a head injury, with a return date yet to be determined. Goalkeeper Verbruggen is also sidelined and will not make the squad. Midfielders Solly March and Julio Encisco are grappling with knee injuries and are doubts for the game.
Meanwhile, Jason Steele is expected to keep the sticks again for Brighton, while Lewis Dhnk, Paul van Hecke, and Hinshelwood will return to the defence. Kaoru Mitona and Joao Pedro, including James Milner, are likely to start in the midfield, with Danny Welbeck returning to the attack.
Brighton possible starting IX: Steele; Hinshelwood, Dunk, Hecke, Veltman; Wieffer, Milner; Mitoma, Pedro, Moder; Welbeck.
For Manchester United, new signing Leny Yoro, who missed the opening match due to a metatarsal injury, will not be available, including last summer’s signing from Atalanta Rasmus Hojlund. Defensive duo Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw are also set to miss the clash due to injuries.
United’s first-choice goalkeeper, Andre Onana, is expected to return to goal in the match. Defensive quadruple Nassour Mazraoui, Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, and Dalot will lead United’s defence departments.
Burgeoning midfielder Kobbie Mainoo and his veteran counterpart Casemiro are likely to return to the midfield, including Bruno Fernandes. Marcus Rashford is expected to lead the attack.
Manchester United probable IX: Onana; Mazraoui, Maguire, Martinez, Dalot; Mainoo, Casemiro; Diallo, Mount, Rashford; Fernandes.
Brighton Vs Manchester United prediction
In the last five games, Brighton have dominated United with three wins against United’s one. It will be a difficult game for Manchester United at the Falmer Stadium, but Brighton are not likely to escape with a fourth win against a revamped United side. The match is likely to end in a 1-1 draw.
