Our Manchester United vs Brighton & Hove Albion predictions look ahead to Michael CarrickâÂÂs sideâÂÂs latest encounter, this time in the third round of the EFL Cup.
Manchester United vs Brighton & Hove Albion head to head overview
- Date: Wednesday 16th September.
- Kick-off: 8pm.
- Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester, England.
- Where to watch: ITV1 and ITVX, Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.
Manchester United vs Brighton & Hove Albion quick tips
- Draw - 16/5 with Betway
- Over 1.5 goals first half - Evens with Betway
- Benjamin Sesko to score any time - 11/10 with Betway
Manchester United vs Brighton & Hove Albion predictions
A victory over Manchester City on Sunday would have made this a solid, if not spectacular, start to the Premier League season for Manchester United.
As it was, Michael CarrickâÂÂs team suffered a 1-0 defeat in the derby at Old Trafford, despite the fact their rivals were reduced to 10 men midway through the first half.ÃÂ
In a strange way, the red card may have worked against United, who continue to struggle when they are forced to take the initiative.
Having a numerical advantage reduced the opportunities for United to counter-attack, and City looked reasonably comfortable defensively.
UnitedâÂÂs priority this season is to get closer to the top of the Premier League table, but a trophy would be welcome too.
The Red Devils went out early in both cup competitions last term, memorably losing to Grimsby Town on penalties in the second round of the EFL Cup.
United are already one step further than that having qualified for Europe and thus received a bye through to the third round, but this is a tricky test for CarrickâÂÂs charges.
Brighton & Hove Albion will be full of confidence following their 5-0 demolition of Coventry City in the latest round of Premier League fixtures. They also have an excellent recent record at Old Trafford, as detailed below.
Manchester United vs Brighton & Hove Albion tips
Manchester United host Brighton & Hove Albion in the EFL Cup this midweek.
Brighton can do something
Manchester United are the favourites on Wednesday. They have more quality at their disposal than Brighton & Hove Albion, and they are playing at home to boot.
But Old Trafford has been a happy hunting ground of late for the Seagulls, who won there in the FA Cup last season.
Much depends on the sort of line-ups that Michael Carrick and Fabian Hurzeler select for this cup clash.
But even if there is rotation on the part of both managers, Brighton are good enough to avoid defeat in 90 minutes.
â½ Tip a draw at 16/5 with Betway â½
Fast start at Old Trafford?
Manchester United have struggled to start games quickly at the beginning of this season.
They have scored only one goal in the first 45 minutes of their four Premier League matches so far.
Michael Carrick will want to see more from his team early on in this encounter, while Brighton & Hove Albion will also look to hit the ground running.
We could see two goals in the opening period at Old Trafford - at these odds, this is a good value bet.
â½ Go for over 1.5 goals in the first half at evens with Betway â½
Sesko to strike?
Benjamin Sesko did not start against Manchester City on Sunday, presumably because Michael Carrick wanted a quicker, more dynamic frontline.
Sesko is likely to be given a chance from the get-go when Brighton & Hove Albion come to town this week.
The Slovenia international took a while to get going last term, but as the season wore on he looked more and more at home in English football.
If Manchester United can get him the right service, Sesko will be a threat against Brighton in this EFL Cup contest.
â½ Back Benjamin Sesko to score any time at 11/10 with Betway â½
Manchester United vs Brighton & Hove Albion predicted lineups
- Manchester United expected lineup: Lammens; Mazraoui, Heaven, Martinez, Dorgu; Mainoo, Santos; Mbuemo, Mount, Cunha; Sesko.
- Brighton & Hove Albion expected lineup: Verbruggen; Costinha, Vuskovic, Struijk, Boscagli; Gross, Ayari; Gomez, OâÂÂRiley, De Cuyper; David.
Manchester United vs Brighton & Hove Albion latest odds
Find the latest Manchester United vs Brighton & Hove Albion betting odds here. All odds are provided by our recommended football bookmakers and are subject to change.
- Manchester United: 4/5 with Betway
- Draw: 16/5 with Betway
- Brighton & Hove Albion: 5/2 with Betway
More EFL Cup predictions
We have plenty more EFL Cup predictions and picks - find our latest betting tips from expert punters in our match preview overview.
Important historical facts about Manchester United vs Brighton & Hove Albion for betting
None of the last eight games between Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion have been draws. Both teams have scored in four of the last five meetings between the pair.
- Last meeting: 24th May 2026; Brighton & Hove Albion 0-3 Manchester United.
- Last 6 matches: Manchester United wins - 3; Brighton & Hove Albion wins - 3; Draws - 0.
Greg Lea
Greg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.
Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootball
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