Brighton vs Manchester United: Preview, Prediction & Betting Tips

Based on the recent meetings between the two teams, we expect this to be a close game between Brighton and Hove Albion, and Manchester United. Despite Manchester United having a slightly better record at the American Express Stadium and winning four games from the last six meetings, Manchester United has also received a 4-0 defeat away at the Seagulls.

Brighton and Hove Albion have won three of the previous four meetings, although Manchester United have kept a clean sheet in the most recent league meeting between the two teams.

Joshua Zirkzee could feature for the Red Devils, as could Matthijs de Ligt. Both were introduced as second-half substitutes against Fulham, with Zirkzee making an impact by scoring the game's only goal.

We are leaning towards a Manchester United win here, but only slightly. Brighton will most certainly score because of Manchester United’s defensive issues in conceding, although with enough quality, we predict Manchester United will win 2-1.

Brighton and Hove Albion 1-2 Manchester United.

The football season is well underway as we approach the second round of fixtures in what could be a captivating season in the Premier League. Brighton and Hove Albion and Manchester United meet in the early kick-off as both teams look to maintain their 100% record thus far this season.

Date: 24/08/2024

Location: The American Express Stadium

Kick-Off: 12.30 pm

There is a new era amongst these clubs heading into the 2024/25 season. Brighton are experiencing life without popular manager Roberto De Zerbi this season after the Italian left by mutual consent to join French side Olympique Marseille during the summer. Fabian Hurzeler was recruited from FC. St Pauli, following his impressive win percentage with the German club of 65.45%. Fabian Hurzeler’s tactical style of play relies on a heavy goal output, as his former club scored 107 goals during his 55 games in charge in Germany. Fabian Hurzeler’s methods and practices have already been showcased in the opening game for Brighton and Hove Albion.

The Seagulls opened their campaign with a brilliant 3-0 win away at Everton, leaving them top of the league after the opening weekend. Kaoru Mitoma opened the scoring for Brighton, following some impressive footwork from newly arrived Yankuba Minteh, who joined from Newcastle United. Danny Welbeck was then given the freedom of Goodison Park, as the former Manchester United striker doubled their lead. Simon Andingra then rounded off a comfortable victory for the Seagulls.

Manchester United’s new regime under the INEOS ownership and their first entire season saw a spirited display against Premier League Champions Manchester City in the Community; however, the Red Devils were undone by a penalty shootout in the season’s curtain raiser. Manchester United opened their Premier League campaign with a hard-fought victory over Fulham in the first Premier League game of the season.

Manchester United had chances through Bruno Fernandes, who registered three shots on target, although a strong Bernd Leno was ever present to thwart Erik Ten Hag’s side. Joshua Zirkzee adhered himself to the Stretford End faithful with a late winner to give Manchester United the perfect start to the season. Manchester United also handed debuts to Matthijs De Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, in which the latter provided a solid debut at right back.

The game will be shown on TNT Sports 1.

Brighton Team News

James Milner received a yellow card in the opening game against Everton. Fabian Hurzeler lines the Seagulls up in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Predicted Eleven: Steele, Veltman, Van Hecke, Dunk, Hinshelwood, Milner, Wieffer, Minteh, Pedro, Mitoma, Welbeck.

Manchester United Team News

Harry Maguire and Mason Mount received yellow cards in Manchester United’s opening game against Fulham. Joshua Zirkzee could be involved after the Dutch International scored from the bench against Fulham. Alejandro Garnacho only returned to Manchester United recently following his international duties with Argentina.

Predicted Eleven: Onana, Mazraoui, De Ligt, Marinez, Dalot, Casemiro, Mainoo, Amad Diallo, Fernandes, Rashford, Zirkzee.

Manchester United has a slightly better record at the American Express Stadium and has won four games from the last six meetings, and Manchester United has also received a 4-0 defeat away at the Seagulls. Brighton and Hove Albion have won three of the previous four meetings, although Manchester United have kept a clean sheet in the most recent league meeting between the two teams.

The home side are in excellent shape heading into this game, having won the last five games, including the impressive 3-0 victory over Everton. Brighton have gone three games without conceding in the league and have been the first to score in their previous five. The Seagulls have also been the team to lead into the second half in four of their last five. Brighton’s home form last season was somewhat respectable, having ranked ninth for their form at the American Express Stadium, gaining 30 points from 57.

Manchester United’s form overall is a mixed bag, having won only twice in their previous five, including the 1-0 over Fulham on the opening day. In terms of competitive fixtures, Manchester United’s form is slightly improved from that front, having only lost once of their previous five competitive games in all competitions. Their only defeat was the Community Shield penalty shootout loss. A single goal has decided three of their last four competitive victories. The only anomaly with this was the 2-0 win over Brighton towards the end of last season. On that day goals from Diogo Dalot and Rasmus Hojlund were enough to secure Manchester United the win on the final day of last season.

Manchester United ranked sixth on the Premier League table for away form last season. Erik Ten Hag’s side gained 27 points away from Old Trafford from 57 points available, having won eight, drawn three and lost eight on their travels.

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