Manchester United vs Brighton and Hove Albion
Date: 19/01/2019
K/O: 15:00
Venue: Old Trafford
Referee: Paul Tierney
Manchester United will aim to extend their winning run under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to seven games as they entertain Brighton on Saturday.
The Red Devils have an almost full squad to choose from so could make changes following the bruising 1-0 victory over Spurs on Sunday. As for the Seagulls, they will be missing several key figures and are expected to retain the majority of the team which succumbed to Liverpool a week ago.
Having made 11 saves as United stole the points from under Spurs nose last time out, the seemingly invincible David De Gea will continue in the home goal but it is the centre-halves in front of him where Solskjaer may have headaches. Eric Bailly is available following suspension and could return to the starting XI, while Chris Smalling is also in contention after returning from injury. Due to his injury, he will unlikely feature from the start but could be called upon if needed while Marcus Rojo remains on the sidelines.
The formers returns could see Phil Jones dropped to the bench while Antonio Valencia, Matteo Darmian or youngster Diogo Dalot may return at full back if Solskjaer chooses to freshen his side up. This also may see the established midfield trio of Matic, Herrera and Pogba broke up which may be likely due to the run around they received from Spurs in the second half at Wembley last Sunday. Fred appears to be the most likely to deputise if so.
In-form Marcus Rashford will spearhead the Red Devils’ attack once again, with Romelu Lukaku expected to continue his wait for a Premier League start under the new regime. Alexis Sanchez and Juan Mata are in contention for recalls too – with Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial in the firing line.
Brighton will be without goalkeeper Mat Ryan and Alireza Jahanbakhsh, both of whom are on international duty at the Asian Cup. David Button will continue in goal, behind stalwart central defensive partnership Shane Duffy and Lewis Dunk. Martin Montoya will start at right back, with Gaetan Bong on the left while Bernardo continues his recovery from injury.
The Seagulls have a full midfield to choose from but are likely to stick with the same personnel that frustrated Liverpool for long spells last week. That means Dale Stephens, Davy Propper and Pascal Gross will lie in deep roles, with Solly March and Jurgen Locadia offering pace and work-rate in the wide areas.
Chris Hughton must decide whether or not to continue with Glenn Murray up front, with Florin Andone available having replaced the former in the second half last week.
Predicted Starting XIs
Manchester United (4-3-3): De Gea; Dalot, Lindelof, Bailly, Shaw; Matic, Fred, Pogba; Mata, Rashford, Martial
Brighton and Hove Albion (4-5-1): Button; Montoya, Duffy, Dunk, Bong; March, Stephens, Propper, Gross, Locadia; Andone
Score Prediction: Manchester United 1 Brighton and Hove Albion 0
The Red Devils have won their last six games under new management and the likelihood of losing this run at Old Trafford is slim. Having said this, Brighton frustrated the league leaders last week and only a Mo Salah penalty kick could separate the two sides. Therefore, it won’t be easy for the hosts but they are certainly expected to come away with the three points.
