The stakes are high for both Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester United when they face each other at the Amex Stadium in the Premier League on Thursday. While Brighton continue to impress under manager Roberto De Zerbi, Manchester United are looking to secure their place in the top four.
Brighton’s 6-0 thrashing of Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend is testament to their current form, but they will be without as many as six first-team players due to injuries. Joel Veltman is the latest player to join Tariq Lamptey, Adam Lallana, Jakub Moder, and Jeremy Sarmiento on the sidelines, while Evan Ferguson is unlikely to start. Danny Welbeck is expected to lead Brighton’s attack again, with Jason Steele between the sticks.
Manchester United too have several key players out due to injuries. The notable absentee is Harry Maguire, whose reason for absence is unknown. Luke Shaw and Victor Lindelof will form the central defensive partnership, with Tyrell Malacia at left-back. Bruno Fernandes will have a free role, despite starting on the right flank on paper, while Anthony Martial is expected to return as the central striker.
Brighton and Manchester United have faced each other twice this season, with each team winning once. Pascal Gross and Danny Welbeck are players to watch for Brighton, while Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes are key players for Manchester United.
The statistics show that Brighton have won their last two Premier League games against Manchester United, but the Red Devils have won three of their five Premier League games at the Amex Stadium. Manchester United‘s record on the road against top-half teams has not been great, with just one win in their last 13 Premier League away games.
Despite Manchester United‘s recent good form in keeping clean sheets, The Hard Tackle predicts that Brighton will come out on top in a 3-1 win at home. Brighton’s strong home form and United‘s poor record away against top-half teams make this prediction plausible. Welbeck’s current form could also play a part, especially with his desire to make his mark against his former club. Whatever the result, it promises to be an exciting match-up between two teams battling for top-four positions.
