There are 3 matches to enjoy in the Premier League on Sunday this weekend, one of which takes place at Old Trafford as Manchester United meet Brighton and Hove Albion.
Manchester United start the weekend in 10th place in the Premier League with 13 points to their name from 11 matches played. The Red Devils need to improve on that position quickly and this is a game they will be expected to win. Brighton are two places above Manchester United in the table and a win for them could take them as high as 5th place if other results go their way.
Manchester United played in the Europa League on Thursday night and comfortably defeated Partizan Belgrade 3-0 to progress to the knockout stages of the competition. It was important to bounce back with a win following the 1-0 defeat at the hands of Bournemouth in the Premier League last weekend.
However, trends show Manchester United have won only one of their last 6 matches in the Premier League and that was a 3-1 victory at Norwich City. Nonetheless, they remain difficult to beat at Old Trafford and are undefeated in their last 6 home games in all competitions. Manchester United have lost 1 of their last 5 at home in the Premier League.
Manchester United have not been the most entertaining team to watch recently and have seen under 2.5 goals in 11 of their last 14 matches in all competitions.
Brighton make the trip north having defeated Norwich City 2-0 at home in the Premier League last weekend. That was their second Premier League win in succession having previously defeated Everton 3-2 in a match that was also played at home. In fact, Brighton have won 3 of their last 4 Premier League games with a good 3-0 home victory over Tottenham Hotspur in addition to the two wins highlighted above.
However, away form in the Premier League is a concern and Brighton have failed to win any of their last 4 league matches on the road. There have been defeats at Manchester City, Chelsea and Aston Villa plus a 0-0 draw at Newcastle United.
Trends show Brighton have won only 4 of their last 24 away Premier League games. The Seagulls have also failed to score a goal in 6 of their last 9 away matches in Premier League.
Team news and Manchester United are still without Axel Tuanzebe, Eric Bailly, Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba who are injured. Ashley Young is suspended and their doubts over the fitness of Luke Shaw, Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Angel Gomes, Demetri Mitchell, Diogo Dalot and Victor Lindelof.
Brighton are without the injured duo of Bernardo and Jose Izquierdo who both have knee problems. Defender Adam Webster Is a doubt due to an ankle injury.
The pressure will begin to mount on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer if Manchester United fail to win this game. However, Brighton's away form is poor and Manchester United should win this game and keep a clean sheet in the process.