Man Utd vs Brighton: Preview, Predictions, and Lineups

Key Points:

• Manchester United hosts Brighton at Old Trafford in the Premier League.
• The Red Devils narrowly beat Southampton midweek with an Amad Diallo hat-trick.
• Brighton extended their unbeaten streak with a win over Ipswich Town.

Manchester United will aim for back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time since November when they face Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.

Despite the 3-1 victory over Southampton, United’s performance was far from convincing, with a late 12-minute hat-trick from Amad Diallo saving them from an embarrassing result against the league’s bottom side.

Brighton, meanwhile, showed improvement with a 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town, ending an eight-match winless streak. The Seagulls, who have won their last two visits to Old Trafford, will look to exploit United’s vulnerabilities at home.

Match Details

• Location: Old Trafford, Manchester
• Date: Sunday, 19 January
• Kick-off Time: 14:00 GMT / 09:00 ET / 06:00 PT
• Referee: Peter Bankes
• VAR: Craig Pawson

Recent Form (Last Five Matches – All Competitions)

Man Utd:

• 3-1 vs Southampton (16 Jan)
• 1-1 (5-3 pens) vs Arsenal (12 Jan)
• 2-2 vs Liverpool (5 Jan)
• 0-2 vs Newcastle (30 Dec)
• 0-2 vs Wolves (26 Dec)

Brighton:

• 2-0 vs Ipswich (16 Jan)
• 4-0 vs Norwich (11 Jan)
• 1-1 vs Arsenal (4 Jan)
• 2-2 vs Aston Villa (30 Dec)
• 0-0 vs Brentford (27 Dec)

Head-to-Head (Last Five Meetings)

• Man Utd: 2 wins
• Brighton: 3 wins
• Draws: 0
• Last Meeting: Brighton 2-1 Man Utd (24 Aug 2024, Premier League)

Team News

Man Utd

• Out: Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans (defence), Mason Mount (midfield).
• Returning: Diogo Dalot (suspension).
• Harry Maguire is expected to replace Leny Yoro after the latter’s poor showing midweek. Joshua Zirkzee, who impressed as a substitute, could replace Rasmus Højlund up front.

Predicted XI (3-4-2-1):
Onana; De Ligt, Maguire, Martinez; Dalot, Eriksen, Mainoo, Mazraoui; Amad, Fernandes; Zirkzee.

Brighton

• Out: Igor (season-ending injury), Ferdi Kadioglu, James Milner (hamstring).
• Doubtful: Evan Ferguson, Jack Hinshelwood, Mats Wieffer (could return to the matchday squad).

Predicted XI (4-2-3-1):
Verbruggen; Veltman, Van Hecke, Dunk, Estupiñán; Baleba, O’Riley; Adingra, Rutter, Mitoma; Pedro.

How to Watch

United Kingdom: Not televised, live radio commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra.
United States: Peacock.
Canada: FuboTV Canada, Fubo Sports Network Canada.

Prediction

Manchester United’s unconvincing form at Old Trafford—losing 45% of their home league games this season—could see Brighton capitalize on their recent momentum. The Seagulls, buoyed by their win over Ipswich, have the quality to trouble United, especially given their success in recent visits to Manchester.

Prediction: Man Utd 1-2 Brighton