Prediction: Manchester United vs Brighton

Verdict: Both teams to score 

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Desperate to claim a much-needed boost this weekend, Manchester United will welcome Brighton to Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon.

Manchester United

Starting with the hosts, heading into September’s international break with a real collapse away at historic rivals Arsenal, Manchester United are seeking a much-needed response this weekend. Eventually getting hit with a 3-1 loss in north London last time out, it is fair to say that Erik ten Hag’s side have struggled to find much stability since opening up the 2023/24 campaign. Seeking some recent stability since returning from the summer interval, the former Ajax boss will have a growing headache over his side’s extended defensive issues. Putting in a toothless display on August 19th as they slumped to a routine 2-0 defeat at the hands of Tottenham, the Red Devils have now shipped seven strikes in just their last three Premier League appearances. Despite punching a crucial top-four return last season, ten Hag’s men will be more than aware that they have a huge amount of pressure on their shoulders when they return to Premier League duties on Saturday afternoon.

Team News

Suffering what was a major injury blow against Nottingham Forest last month, Manchester United will once again be unable to call upon defensive talisman Raphael Varane on Saturday afternoon. However, featuring for Argentina over the international break, Lisandro Martinez will start at the heart of ten Hag’s defence this weekend.

Notching his first Premier League strike of the season against Arsenal earlier in the month, England international Marcus Rashford will spearhead United’s charge at Old Trafford.

Brighton

As for the visitors, while Brighton might have slumped to a shock 3-1 loss at the hands of West Ham on August 26th, the Seagulls certainly came roaring back last time out. Putting in a hugely impressive performance at the Amex as they cruised their way to a 3-1 romp against Champions League outfit Newcastle, Roberto De Zerbi’s side have continued to gain a string of plaudits on either side of the summer interval. Opening up the 2023/24 campaign with a 4-1 win against top-flight returners Luton, the one-time Sassuolo boss has seen his squad win three of their first four Premier League appearances. With their eye-catching start underlined by another 4-1 win away at Wolves on August 19th, Brighton will be desperate to spring a heavyweight upset this weekend. Quickly gaining a reputation for their lively outcomes, it is worth highlighting that De Zerbi’s squad have notched 12 strikes in their first four appearances this season.

Team News

Having to withdraw from Ireland’s squad this month after picking up a knock against Newcastle last time out, Brighton are sweating over the fitness of attacking talisman Evan Ferguson on Saturday afternoon.

Making the shock loan switch from Spanish giants Barcelona this summer, Ansu Fati looks set to make his full Brighton debut at Old Trafford. Appearing to have cemented his spot as De Zerbi’s number-one, 21-year-old Bart Verbruggen should start between the sticks here.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last met back on May 4th, Brighton picked up a 1-0 victory at the Amex.
• Likewise, the Seagulls have remarkably won each of their last three straight Premier League showdowns against Manchester United.
• Saturday’s hosts have shipped seven strikes in their last three top-flight appearances.
• Each of Brighton’s opening four Premier League appearances have finished with both teams finding the net.
• Four of the last five meetings between Manchester United and Brighton at Old Trafford have also finished with both teams getting on the scoresheet.

Conclusion

Heading into the international break with that remarkable 3-1 loss away at Arsenal, Manchester United will be more than aware that they face another real challenge here. Showing some extended defensive issues and shipping seven strikes in just their last three Premier League appearances, they should also be worried by a nightmare record against Saturday’s guests. Losing each of their last three top-flight meetings against Brighton by an aggregate score of 7-1, we could be treated to an enjoyable affair this weekend. With the Seagulls seeing each of their opening four Premier League showdowns finish with both teams finding the net, we are expecting a similar outcome at Old Trafford.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: Olympusbet