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

Brighton face Man Utd in the Premier League on Sunday. The Seagulls have lost three of their last four home matches and could finish anywhere between 10th and 13th place. United have won just two of their last nine league fixtures.

Brighton Form

Brighton have had a dire 2024. They’ve won just four of their last 18 league fixtures and sit 15th in the table since New Year’s Day. Their last nine EPL matches have yielded one victory. A 3-0 home loss by Arsenal ended a 12-match unbeaten streak at home (six wins, six draws).

They drew 1-1 at Burnley, lost 4-0 at home to Man City, and were thrashed 3-0 at Bournemouth. Their lone win during this streak was a 1-0 victory at home over Aston Vila with a late goal. A 1-1 draw away to Newcastle preceded a 2-1 home loss to Chelsea in midweek.

Brighton Team News

Roberto De Zerbi has loads of injury concerns. Lewis Dunk injured his knee in midweek and joins left back Pervis Estupinan on the sidelines. Jan Paul Van Hecke and Joel Veltman are doubtful too.

Solly March, Evan Ferguson, and Kaoru Mitoma are ruled out in attack. Jack Hinshelwood and James Milner are not expected to play any part in midfield. Adam Lallana may be granted a farewell outing.

Brighton Motivation

Brighton’s style has not changed but opponents now know how to press them and manipulate their man-marking defensive style.

Motivation should be high to finish 10th but they look ready for their summer holidays.

Man Utd Form

United have not been in good form of late. Their 3-2 home win over Newcastle in midweek came after a run of just one win in eight in the league. They drew 2-2 vs Liverpool at home and 2-2 at Bournemouth in two poor displays. A 3-3 draw and win on penalties vs Coventry saw a 3-0 lead blown.

After beating bottom-placed Sheffield United 4-2, they conceded late to draw 1-1 at home vs Burnley. A 4-0 defeat at Crystal Palace saw an awful display before mustering just two shots on target in a 1-0 loss at Old Trafford to Arsenal. In the win vs Newcastle, they allowed 2.37 xG and 21 shots.

Man Utd Team News

Erik Ten Hag may be able to start Lisandro Martinez at the back. More likely is a conservative approach with Casemiro remaining in defence. Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelof, Harry Magure, and Raphael Varane are all doubtful for this match.

Mason Mount is injured but Marcus Rashford is back. Amad Diallo is expected to keep his place and so is Sofyan Amrabat in a defensive midfield role.

Man Utd Motivation

United need to get a better result than Newcastle in this match to jump to seventh place. As it stands, they will only play in Europe if they beat Man City in the FA Cup final.

The players are fighting hard for the coach, but the team is wide open and gives up so many chances.

Key Stats

Brighton have just 1 win in their last 9 league matches

Brighton have lost 3 of their last 4 home EPL matches (unbeaten in 12 before that)

Man Utd have won 2 of their last 9 EPL matches

Manchester United have scored 2+ goals in 6 of their last 9 matches

Man Utd have seen Over 2.5 goals in 15 of their last 19 league matches

Verdict

The Seagulls have numerous defensive injuries here and face a United side with pace and attacking thrust. Both sides should score but Brighton are in dire form and are tipped to lose at home again.

Best Bet: Brighton win at 2.80
Multiplier Leg: Brighton win/draw double chance at 1.54
Multiplier Leg: Brighton win/draw double chance + under 3.5 goals at 2.05

James O'Connor

James is a football analyst who writes about the tactics of the PSL and English Premier League. He holds the UEFA A coaching licence and has previously worked for several clubs in analysis roles.Twitter: https://twitter.com/footy_analysis