Manchester United v Brighton Betting Markets
Manchester United look easy to oppose for Wednesday's Carabao Cup clash against Brighton & Hove Albion. The bookies have priced up the Red Devils at odds of 1.80 although it offers scant appeal against competitive opposition. Michael Carrick will potentially identify Sunday's trip to Craven Cottage as a more pressing fixture given the way that his team have started their Premier League campaign.
United were strong at Old Trafford last term when winning thirteen, drawing three and losing three of their nineteen top-flight games. However, there was a recent derby defeat against Manchester City where they looked really laboured. After the red card issued to Phil Foden, there were few chances created and this competition doesn't appear a priority considering there is Champions League involvement.
Mason Mount, Andrey Santos and Benjamin Sesko are among the players who might earn a start in this clash, although Brighton stick out at odds of 3.90. We might expect this price to shorten considering that the Seagulls have a decent recent record against United. Earlier this year, Fabian Hurzeler's side claimed a 2-1 win at Old Trafford in the FA Cup.
While United did win both Premier League clashes last term, it is the Seagulls who have claimed four victories in the space of five previous games. Pascal Struijk, Costinha, Chema Andres and Matt O'Riley are some of the squad players who might feature, although it's likely that Hurzeler will field a strong team for a competition where silverware is a feasible outcome.
The draw odds also appeal way more than the home win, while customers can potentially look at taking Brighton and the Draw on the Double Chance market. We would wait for team news before making a decisive pick although opposing the hosts looks to be the way forward.
Goals Under/Over
Over 2.5 Goals is operating at betting odds of 1.50 which suggests that there's a 66% chance of three or more goals being registered. It's a clash where both teams could be showing a few changes although we've already seen some high-scoring Carabao Cup encounters. Last week's clash between Chelsea and Leeds is a case in hand when it comes to clashes where the tie has to be settled on the night.
Brighton have been involved in a spate of free-scoring battles and the latest of these was a 5-0 demolition at the Ricoh Arena. The Seagulls also put four past Aston Villa before scoring three times at Chelsea. They have therefore covered the 2.5 goal line themselves on several occasions.
It would be a surprise to see United draw another blank after failing to score against Manchester City last weekend. We think Over 2.5 Goals could well be worth including in a Bet Builder and we're going to bet accordingly.
BTTS
If Over 2.5 Goals is trading at short odds, then it's normally the case that BTTS Yes operates at a similar price. The fact is that it's virtually the same with most Carabao Cup betting sites. We're actually in favour of a Brighton win combined with BTTS Yes. It's surely the case that Manchester United won't draw a blank and they'll take heart from the way that Chelsea managed to put four goals past the same opposition.
Brighton also played out a 1-1 draw with Leeds although their victories against Aston Villa and Coventry were combined with a clean sheet. When it comes to Manchester United's four games, two have ended up with BTTS Yes including a 2-2 draw at Everton. There was also a 5-1 win against Ipswich Town although there was a failure to find the net against Hull and Manchester City.
The nature of this game being Carabao Cup means that both teams will want to get on the front foot and avoid the prospect of extra-time and even penalties. That strengthens the case for BTTS Yes, with United likely to have Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko operating in attacking positions.
First Goalscorer
Manchester United are favourites and their odds-on price suggest that they're most likely to win. If you share this view, then it makes sense to focus on Red Devils attacking players. Benjamin Sesko regularly delivers when given the opportunity and perhaps he's a good selection should Michael Carrick give the forward a rare start.
We might expect a fairly strong team to be fielded, with Bruno Fernandes on penalty kick duties when on the pitch. Bryan Mbuemo offers cut and thrust from a wide right position, with Mason Mount potentially getting the chance to play in a central attacking midfield position.
Brighton have plenty of sharp shooters. Pascal Gross is on penalties and he may well offer some cut and thrust, with teenage group star Charalampos Kostoulas having broken the deadlock at the Ricoh Arena. He has two on the board already this term and will continue to trouble opposition defences.
Another promising Brighton youngster is Malick Yalcouye who has bagged two goals across three encounters in all competitions. The Ivory Coast player was bright on loan at Swansea City last term and now appears to be stepping up.