Manchester United vs Brighton Prediction: Premier League Match on 16.09.2023

Manchester United will look to bounce back to winning ways in the Premier League when they host Brighton at Old Trafford on Saturday, with kickoff slated for 14:00 GMT.

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Key Highlights

Manchester United’s Inconsistency on the Pitch and Distractions Off the Pitch

The 3-1 loss away to Arsenal before the international break might have flattered the home side given the balance of the performance, but it also highlights the glaring weaknesses in the Manchester United side, with their inability to translate dominant periods into goals.

Off the pitch, the issues with Antony, Jadon Sancho, and the potential sale of the club are proving to be distractions to everyone related to the club at a time when there needs to be a focus on performance.

Erik Ten Hag needs to improve his side’s performances, especially away from home, where they have had poor results.

The Red Devils’ home form has been their saving grace, meaning they need to extend their good form by defeating a Brighton side, which will make for awkward opponents on Saturday.

Brighton Are Settling into the New Season After a Disruptive Transfer Window

Roberto De Zerbi’s side responded to the 1-3 defeat to West Ham with a commanding and impressive 3-1 home win against Newcastle before the international break.

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The Seagulls hope to continue their fine form when they visit Old Trafford on Saturday. 

Brighton will stick with their normal way of playing, building from the back, passing through the press, and opening teams up by playing through the middle as much as out wide. 

Moyes’ West Ham exposed the weaknesses of this system. Whether Manchester United can repeat the trick at Old Trafford remains to be seen.

Injury Report

Manchester United

Erik Ten Hag will be without a few players ahead of the home game against Brighton on Saturday.

Kobbie Mainoo is out with an ankle/foot injury, and Mason Mount is ruled out with a thigh problem.

Other players likely to be doubts for the visit of Brighton include Tyrell Malacia (knee injury), Amad Diallo Traore (knee), Luke Shaw, and Thomas Heaton.

Rasmus Hojlund and Harry Maguire are likely to be available for selection ahead of Saturday’s clash.

Winger Antony will not be available for selection after he was granted leave of absence, a mutual decision between player and club, to allow the Brazilian player to deal with personal issues. 

It is unclear whether Jadon Sancho will be in the matchday squad after recent public exchanges with Eric Ten Hag about his training.

Brighton

Roberto De Zerbi will be without Jakub Moder, sidelined with a knee injury. No return date has currently been set for his return.

Brighton will also miss the services of Julio Enciso Espinola, who is also sidelined with a knee injury and does not have a set return date.

Possible Lineups

Manchester United

A. Onana; D. Dalot, L. Martinez, V. Lindelof, A. Wan-Bissaka, C. Eriksen, Casemiro; M. Rashford, B. Fernandes, F. Pellistri; R. Hojlund.

Brighton

B. Verbruggen; J. Veltman, J. P. van Hecke, L. Dunk, P. Estupinan; P. Grob, B. Gilmour; S. March, J. P, K. Mitoma; E. Ferguson

Prediction

Manchester United will need to start the game fast, with aggression, high energy, and high-tempo. They will have to counter the Brighton set-up of playing from the back by pressing high and squeezing the space to make it hard for Brighton to play through them.

Brighton will need all the composure and maturity they can muster to perform well at Old Trafford. Their build-up and pressing game can leave them exposed in transitions, especially against Manchester United’s pacey forwards. 

Manchester United will win the home match and bounce back to winning ways post-international break.

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