By Ian King
Each groups have momentum that they’ll be trying to keep
Each Manchester United and Brighton are on an upward trajectory that they’ll be trying to keep, going into this late Saturday afternoon fixture at Outdated Trafford. United come into this match off the again of their 2-1 win at Anfield final Sunday, and have now gained three of their final 4 video games, lifting them into the highest half of the Premier League for the primary time since their win towards Burnley briefly took them to ninth forward of the September worldwide break.
However Brighton have additionally recovered from a blended begin. Having misplaced two of their first 4 matches, they’ve now gone 4 League video games unbeaten for the reason that center of September, they usually had a equally spectacular outcome to United final weekend, with a 2-1 win towards Newcastle United on the Amex.
Manchester United’s latest document towards Brighton is fairly horrible
Manchester United have a reasonably horrible document in latest matches towards Brighton (notably at dwelling), having misplaced six and gained simply two of their final eight conferences, with a type of two wins being on penalties following a goalless draw within the 2023 FA Cup semi-final at Wembley. Brighton accomplished a league double over United final season, profitable 2-1 on the Amex and 3-1 at Outdated Trafford.
Getting Mbeumo scoring frequently might get United on observe, whereas Welbeck might supply a reminder of what they misplaced
If there’s one participant greater than every other who appears more likely to lead Manchester United again to sunnier climes, it’s Bryan Mbeumo. He took precisely a minute to open the scoring at Anfield final weekend, and getting him scoring frequently – he’s managed simply two in eight within the League to date this season – would go a great distance in the direction of getting them again difficult for a European place. In spite of everything, it’s all very nicely speaking about United having a bonus over their rivals on account of getting no European soccer this season, however a membership of this measurement actually wants European soccer.
It’s now been greater than a decade since Danny Welbeck was a Manchester United participant, however the striker has hit a wealthy vein of kind this season, together with his 4 objectives in eight appearances together with each objectives of their win towards Newcastle. There’s even been speak of him getting an England recall at 34 years of age following an absence of seven years. He has it in him to turn out to be Albion’s talisman, this season.
United’s harm woes have eased, however Brighton might be with out a number of acquainted names
Manchester United’s harm issues appear to be easing. Lengthy-term absentee Lisandro Martínez is near a return however gained’t make this one, however Leny Yoro might push for a return after solely making a five-minute cameo on the finish of the Liverpool match. Benjamin Šeško was additionally on the bench for that match, however he might additionally return to guide their assault.
Brighton have harm issues, each within the quick and long-term. Solly March, Adam Webster and Jack Hinshelwood all stay out of motion, whereas Kaoru Mitoma, Joel Veltman, Diego Gómez and Brajan Gruda will all want pre-match health assessments. Carlos Baleba, who Manchester United lusted in spite of everything summer time, is more likely to begin in midfield.
Each groups are on an upward trajectory, however there’s little between them in the mean time
It could be a bit untimely to say that Manchester United are BACK – Liverpool had been abject final Sunday, but nonetheless unlucky to not take a degree from the sport – however confidence is constructing round Outdated Trafford and it’s beginning to look as if Ruben Amorim is getting his system by to his gamers.
Brighton, in the meantime, have been slowly enhancing since a poor begin to the season, and whereas they do have harm issues, their win towards Newcastle United final weekend was a reminder that they’re a workforce that you just can not take without any consideration.
If Manchester United need to get again in the direction of the highest finish of the desk, that is the type of dwelling match to win. However Brighton have a very good document towards them in latest fixtures, and their confidence can be excessive following final weekend’s wonderful outcome.
United nonetheless have query marks hanging over their defence and Brighton can blow cold and hot (usually inside the identical 90 minutes), so I’m going for a 2-2 draw and for these two groups to finish their weekend the place they began it, in the course of the Premier League desk however persevering with to look in an upward path.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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