Verdict: Manchester United win to nil
Best Odds: 8/13
Bookmaker: Bet 365
Manchester United will be aiming to close gap at the top of the table when they entertain Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League on Saturday.
Manchester United
After a shock midweek loss in the Champions League to Basel, Manchester United will be keen to get back to winning ways when they face Brighton at Old Trafford. Jose Mourinho’s men look the most likely team to challenge leaders Manchester City but there is still an eight point gap between the two rivals – meaning every game is of importance now. However, the Red Devils will be confident of a victory against the newly-promoted side as they have won all five games at home so far, conceding just once in the process. The ground is becoming a fortress for United and they have scored four goals on three occasions so far this season – against West Ham, Crystal Palace and Newcastle last week. Mourinho will welcome back the return of Paul Pogba – who was influential in their 4-1 thrashing of the Magpies – and with Zlatan Ibrahimovic also in the frame, it seems they are well equipped to maintain a serious title challenge over the Christmas period.
Team News
It’s likely that Mourinho will revert back to his preferred starting 11 on Saturday after a number of squad players failed to impress against Basel. This means that wing-backs Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia will return, as will front four Anthony Martial, Juan Mata, Marcus Rashford and Romelu Lukaku.
However, Phil Jones and Eric Bailly will again miss out due to injury.
Brighton & Hove Albion
Not many people would have predicted such a consistent start to life in the Premier League for newly-promoted Brighton & Hove Albion. Manager Chris Hughton’s team have shown fine form since their arrival which has seen them climb comfortably into the top half of the table. One of the main reasons for the Seagulls convincing displays has been the performances of Pascal Gross who arrived for £7 million from German side Ingolstadt in the summer. The midfielder has scored three times and provided five assists so far in his short spell in England – and Hughton will be hoping there’s more to come from the 26-year-old. Brighton go into the clash at Old Trafford on the back of a five game unbeaten run and they have only conceded six goals in as many matches away from home. However, they have also failed to score in three of those games and it will be difficult for them to come away with anything on Saturday.
Team News
Steve Sidwell is the only injury concern and he will not make the trip to Old Trafford.
Key Factors to Consider
- Brighton have only won one of their 16 meetings in all competitions with Manchester United (D5 L10)
- The Red Devil’s only home defeat against a newly-promoted team came in 1996-97, losing 3-2 to Derby County. United have won their last 18 home games against side’s making their debut in the Premier League
- Jose Mourinho’s men are now 38 games unbeaten at home in all competitions (W27 D11)
- Manchester United have kept a clean sheet in half of their 50 Premier League matches since the start of last season; more than any other team
- United have now gained 26 points which is the best start to a season since 2012-13 (27 points from 12 games) – which was the Red Devil’s final season under Sir Alex Ferguson and also their last league title win.
Conclusion
Manchester United have an incredible record at Old Trafford and they will be desperate to get back to winnings ways after their loss in midweek – which could spell trouble for Brighton. The Seagulls struggle with goals away from home and it may be comfortable for United.
Verdict: Manchester United win to nil
Best Odds: 8/13
Bookmaker: Bet 365
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