We’re far from certain that Manchester United are going to win the weekend clash against Brighton & Hove Albion. There is certainly a case for opposing a Red Devils side who might be missing their first three central defenders. After all, it was Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans who ended the 3-1 defeat at Arsenal where there was a late sting in the tail.
Conversely, United actually played reasonably well at the Emirates and nearly delivered the perfect away performance. Alejandro Garnacho thought he had scored a dramatic winner before the goal was chalked off for offside, although perhaps the Argentine will earn a start as the home side look to get the better of a vibrant Brighton side.
There are fitness doubts over teen sensation Evan Ferguson who bagged a hat-trick over Newcastle United a fortnight ago, with Joao Pedro looking to muscle his way into the first team. Kaoru Mitoma, Solly March and Pervis Estupinan have all made bright starts to the season and there is no doubt that the visitors will pose some kind of attacking threat.
We think goals could be the order of the day in this encounter and we’re prepared to wager on Both Teams to Score and Over 2.5 Goals, with Brighton looking like a team who can take advantage of a disjointed United side. You only have to look at the way that Nottingham Forest ran into a 2-0 lead at Old Trafford to see that the defence might creak.