Best Odds: 1/2
Bookmaker:
Two sides who who will be looking to make it back-to-back Premier League victories on Saturday lunchtime, Brighton will welcome Manchester United to the American Express Stadium.
Brighton
Starting with the hosts, while Brighton might have limped their way over the finishing line last season as they eventually had to settle for a bottom-half finish, the Seagulls certainly made a real statement when opening the 2024/25 campaign. Officially getting Fabian Hurzeler’s tenure off to a stunning start as they stormed their way to a 3-0 romp away at Everton, the former St. Pauli boss will be calling on his squad to use last weekend’s performance as a platform to build on. Despite winning just one of their final 10 Premier League appearances last season, Brighton did enjoy an eye-catching summer flurry. Signing off their pre-season preparations with a 4-0 victory against Spanish outfit Villarreal, Hurzeler’s side won all of their four summer showdowns by an aggregate score of 14-3.
Team News
All still dealing with respective long-term injury issues continuing on from last season, Brighton will once again be without the likes of Solly March, Evan Ferguson and Pervis Estupinan. Likewise, missing out away at Everton last weekend, first-choice goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen is not expected to feature on Saturday lunchtime.
Opening his Premier League account at Goodison Park last week and building off what was a real summer flurry, former England international Danny Welbeck will spearhead Brighton’s charge here. Arriving from Feyenoord last month, Mats Wieffer will partner James Milner at the heart of Hurzeler’s midfield.
Manchester United
As for the visitors, while Manchester United might not have been at their best once again last weekend, the Red Devils did get things underway with a hard-fought 1-0 victory at home against Fulham. With Erik ten Hag’s side making it abundantly clear that a Champions League return is at the top of their agenda this year, the former Ajax boss will know that stability is key. However, although United might have avoided a potential banana skin at Old Trafford last week, Saturday’s guests have gained a reputation for their inconsistencies on the road. Despite claiming an historic 13th FA Cup title at Wembley on May 25th, ten Hag’s men could muster just a single victory from any of their final six Premier League away fixtures last season.
Team News
Set for a few months on the sidelines after undergoing foot surgery earlier in the month, Manchester United will once again be without summer recruit Lens Yoro this weekend. Likewise, suffering another injury setback over the summer break, England International Luke Shaw will not travel to the Amex on Saturday lunchtime.
Missing out against Fulham last week and still dealing with a recent muscle injury, Rasmus Hojlund remains a real doubt here. Coming off the bench and bagging a dramatic late winner at Old Trafford on his Premier League debut, Joshua Zirkzee could make a first start.
Key Factors to Consider
