- Date: Saturday September 16 – 15.00 BST
- Location: Old Trafford, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Teams: Manchester United vs Brighton and Hove Albion
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Red Devils host Seagulls in crucial clash in the race for Europe
Manchester United
Erik ten Hag’s side have made a stuttering start to their campaign, taking six points from four games. They picked up three points against Wolves in a disappointing performance and, after losing at Tottenham, claimed a 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford having been two goals down. In their final match before the international break they conceded two late goals at the Emirates to lose 3-1 to Arsenal. Going into this round of fixtures they are occupying 11th place in the table. While United are yet to find their fluency, only four matchs have been played and it should be noted that they struggled in the opening matches of last season before going on to finish third and claim the EFL Cup.
The Red Devils have a huge match in midweek against Bayern Munich in their opening Champions League group-stage match, but Brighton are a very good side who cannot be taken lightly. The Seagulls came away with a 2-1 victory inn the corresponding fixture last season on the opening weekend of the campaign.
The last time United lost three of their opening five games of the season was in the 1989-90 campaign, just as Sir Alex Ferguson was beginning to turn things around. Ten Hag will, howeve, be optimistic of grinding out a positive result this weekend. As stated earlier they have already got two home wins, despite not playing well and they remain unbeaten in over 30 matches at Old Trafford in all competitions.
Brazilian winger Antony will not represent the club ‘until further notice’ amid allegations of assault made against him, while Raphael Varane (muscle), Luke Shaw (muscle), Tyrell Malacia (muscle), Amad Diallo (knee), Kobbie Mainoo (ankle) and Tom Heaton (calf) all miss out with injury.
New signing Sofyan Amrabat is doubtful with a back problem, but there is a chance that he could play some part against Brighton. Lisandro Martinez (foot) and Mason Mount (hamstring) continue to recover and it is possible that one or both could be involved. Jadon Sancho is not expected to be considered after a public disagreement with Ten Hag has seen him banned from training. Bruno Fernandes, Facundo Pellistri and Alejandro Garnacho could all be tasked with playing on the right. Marcus Rashford, who performed well for England in midweek and was on target against Arsenal, looks set to start on the left. Rasmus Hojlund or Anthony Martial will play upfront.
Brighton and Hove Albion
Brighton enjoyed a superb campaign in 2022/23, qualifying for Europe for the first time in their history. They have continued where they left off, sweeping aside newly promoted Luton Town and Gary O’Neil’s Wolverhampton Wanderers in their first two games. They suffered a setback in the shape of a 3-1 defeat at home to West Ham United, despite playing well at times, however, bounced back to beat last season’s fourth placed side, Newcastle United, 3-1 in impressive style. They sit in the top six and look like they can be in the mix for European qualification once again, if they can cope with their Europa League schedule.
In-form Ethan Ferguson is doubtful. Danny Welback missed the win over Newcastle and also remains a is doubt. Julio Enciso has a torn meniscus and will miss out, while long term injury victim Jakub Moder will also remain on the sidelines.
Ansu Fati could make his debut for the club after arriving on loan from Barcelona. Fati could play wide, or at number 10 between Kaoru Mitoma and Solly March. Carlos Baleba could also be in line for a debut and will be competing for midfield places with Pascal Gross, Billy Gilmour and Mahmoud Dahoud. Brighton have their first ever Europa League match against AEK Athens next Thursday, though boss Roberto De Zerbi will be focussed on getting a result in Manchester. Stretching back to last season, Brighton’s recent away record is up and down. They have won four and lost four of their last eight Premier League away fixtures.
Prediction
Most bookies are expecting a tight game, with Manchester United slight favourites. Brighton won at Old Trafford last season, however, despite not hitting the heights in their two home games so far, Ten Hag’s side have found a way to get three points. Home win, but it will be tight.
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