Manchester United vs Brighton predictions: Seagulls could fluster Red Devils
- Brighton have won three of their four league games
- Manchester United lost this fixture 2-1 last season
- Recommended bet: Brighton draw no bet
A last-gasp defeat to Arsenal in their final game before the international break has left Manchester United locked in mid-table obscurity in the opening weeks of the new Premier League season.
And things will not get any easier this weekend when the Red Devils take on a Brighton side who already look as though they could improve on last season's sixth-placed finish.
United have a lengthy injury list with Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Tyrell Malacia, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Sofyan Amrabat, Mason Mount, Antony, Amad Diallo and Tom Heaton all expected to miss out.
The visitors will definitely be without Julio Enciso and Jakub Moder, while forwards Evan Ferguson and Danny Welbeck are to be assessed.
Brighton have collected nine points from a possible 12 in the Premier League this season.
The Seagulls also went into the recent international break as the division's leading scorers with 12 goals — one more than Manchester City and Tottenham.
Manchester United have conceded in each of their last three games.
Brighton were the only side to beat Erik ten Hag's men at Old Trafford in the Premier League last season.
Manchester United slipped to a frustrating defeat to Arsenal before the international break but it is fair to say the 3-1 scoreline was a harsh reflection on their performance.
United took the lead at the Emirates Stadium with Marcus Rashford scoring after 27 minutes, only for Martin Odegaard to hit back a minute later.
The rest of the game was pretty cagey and Ten Hag's side thought they had won it when Alejandro Garnacho scored a one-on-one chance late on, only for VAR to rule it out for offside.
United's concentration then dissipated and Arsenal found a winner through Declan Rice before Gabriel Jesus hit them on the break in the 101st minute to seal the win.
The Red Devils would have needed the break to reflect on that performance and it is clear there are problems that need addressing.
Casemiro has made a slow start to the season in midfield, while the defence continues to leak goals and Anthony Martial appears to be struggling up front.
They go into this weekend's contest short on personnel and they are worth opposing against Brighton, who have won three of their opening four contests.
The Seagulls know where the goal is as well, scoring at least three goals in three of their four matches, and they can capitalise on United's leaky defending.
Win up to £250,000 with our free-to-play game, LiveScore 6!
