Man United vs Brighton – Preview, Predictions, and Best Bets

Man Utd host Brighton at Old Trafford in the English Premier League on Tuesday night. The hosts are struggling to win matches of late, throwing away leads in poor second-half performances. Brighton are enjoying a very consistent season performance-wise and has lost two fewer games than the Red Devils. United have won their last six meetings with the Seagulls in all competitions and will want to ruin Graham Potter’s 100th match in charge of the club.

Man United Form

United continues to underperform, even if Ralf Rangnick has only been beaten once in 10 Premier League matches since he took over. That defeat was a 1-0 loss to Wolves after a goal in the final ten minutes. They followed that by playing well in the first half against Aston Villa but conceding twice in the final 20 minutes to go from 2-0 up to 2-2.

The side gave up plenty of chances to win 3-1 at Brentford but was solid and scored in the 93rd minute to beat West Ham 1-0. Their last three matches saw a 1-0 on each occasion but they lost all three-second halves 1-0 to finish 1-1 against Middlesbrough (FA Cup) and both Burnley and Southampton in the Premier League.

Man United Team News

United have injury doubts over Nemanja Matic, Eric Bailly, and Edinson Cavani, with all three touch-and-got to be involved. Fred is also doubtful due to COVID-19. Rangnick only used Jesse Lingard and Anthony Elanga are subs against Southampton and there is a lack of options are Anthony Martial and Donny van de Beek departed after Mason Greenwood’s suspension for off-field issues.

It’s likely to be an unchanged team from the weekend for this one unless Fred recovers. Paul Pogba will play deep in midfield again. Luke Shaw should keep his place in preference to Alex Telles.

Man United Motivation

United will do the same as in the last three matches. A 4-2-3-1 shape and lots of reliance on the left flank of Shaw and Jadon Sancho to create chances.

Anything less than a win would be a poor result. A draw would keep United in fifth place (albeit only on goal difference to West Ham) having used up their game in hand. The lack of depth on Man Utd’s bench means they are susceptible to opponents dominating second halves.

Brighton Form

Brighton are having a fantastic season and their 33 points have put them 9th in the table and not far off securing safety from relegation already. They have lost just four of their 23 league matches but have also only won seven times – they are draw specialists with a league-high 12 one-point hauls.

After a run of 11 matches without a win (albeit eight draws), they are seven unbeaten in the league with three wins. A 3-2 victory at Everton was followed by three successive 1-1 draws having trailed 1-0 in all of them. Their last match brought a 2-0 win at Watford as Neil Maupay and Adam Webster got the goals.

Brighton Team News

Jeremy Sarmiento and Enock Mwepu are out injured for this match, with the latter the main blow. Brighton has a clean bill of health otherwise and has so far not missed Dan Burn, who was sold to Newcastle.

Graham Potter could make a few changes with Yves Bissouma set for a recall (26 mins vs Watford) whilst Leandro Trossard was unused in the last match and could start too. The Seagulls could play a back three or revert to a back four, depending on what Potter thinks is best vs United.

Brighton Motivation

Brighton will be fully motivated to not only get a result in this match but to try to dominate the game and to play on the front foot.

They would definitely take a draw but won’t play with fear or take a point from kick-off. They won’t show any respect to the Red Devils even at Old Trafford.

Key Stats

Man Utd have drawn 4 of their last 6 matches (all comps)

Man Utd have won just 4 of their last 10 home PL matches

United have conceded in 10 of 12 PL matches at home this term

Man Utd have won their last 6 matches against Brighton (all comps)

Brighton have lost just 1 once in 11 PL matches (W3, D7)

Brighton have drawn 1-1 in 6 of their last 10 PL matches

Brighton have scored 25 goals in 23 PL matches, only 3 out of 11 teams below them have scored fewer

Verdict

Man Utd is not playing very well and results are only okay. Southampton is in some great form and will be high on confidence. They look decent value to take a point from Old Trafford.

Best Bet: Both teams to score at 1.71
Alternative Bet: Southampton win/draw double chance at 2.40
Value Bet: Draw at 4.05
Correct Score Tip: Man Utd 1-1 Southampton at 7.50

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