Manchester United return to action after the international break with a tough Premier League encounter at home to Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.
It has been a roller-coaster start to the new campaign for the Red Devils, with the team picking up six points from their first four league outings.
United kicked off the season with a narrow home victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, before producing a dismal performance in their defeat at Tottenham Hotspur.
They shipped two early goals in their next home game against Nottingham Forest, but punters who kept the faith on in-play betting sites were rewarded as Erik Ten Hag’s side staged a remarkable recovery.
Three unanswered goals secured an improbable 3-2 success and set United up nicely for their trip to face title hopefuls Arsenal at the start of September.
A 3-1 defeat against the Gunners did not tell the full story of a fixture the Red Devils could have taken three points from but for the intervention of VAR.
Alejandro Garnacho thought he had grabbed a late winner for United, but he was ruled to be a fraction offside and Arsenal capitalised with two stoppage-time goals.
Anyone wagering on the best in-play betting sites would have been left scratching their heads at how the Gunners came away with three points in a game they didn’t deserve to win.
Off-field issues have disrupted United’s preparations for the Brighton game, with Antony’s domestic abuse allegations and Jadon Sancho’s social media outburst leaving Ten Hag with a headache.
The Dutchman will hope playing at Old Trafford offers United some respite, with both of the club’s defeats this season coming on the road.
The Red Devils have racked up a 31-game unbeaten run at home – a record they will be desperate to enhance against Brighton this weekend.
However, it is worth noting that the Seagulls were the last team to claim a league victory at the Theatre of Dreams, with their 2-1 victory in August 2022 marking a sorry start to Ten Hag’s time in charge of the club.
Despite their stellar run of home form, United are a best-priced 6/5 to see off the challenge of a team who have made a solid start to the new campaign.
Roberto De Zerbi’s side have picked up nine points from a possible 12 this season, with their only defeat coming at the Amex Stadium against West Ham United.
They are priced at 21/10 to win at Old Trafford, with the draw an intriguing option at 3/1. However, the live betting markets could be worth monitoring during the game.
Brighton’s firepower could prove troublesome for United’s defence, with their tally of 12 goals the highest in the Premier League to date.
Their 4-1 victory at Wolves on Matchday 2 highlighted their ability to score for fun on the road – a factor Ten Hag will need to be wary about this weekend.
With Antony and Sancho sidelined, the United manager faces a conundrum over who will feature on the right flank.
Facundo Pellistri has played from the start in just one of his 12 United appearances, but could be handed the opportunity to shine against Brighton.
Garnacho is another option for the slot on the right flank, but Ten Hag may decide to go with experience in the shape of Anthony Martial.
With Rashford on left hand side and Rasmus Hojlund through the middle, United should have enough about them to cause Brighton problems.
Their biggest issue will be keeping striker Evan Ferguson quiet following his superb hat-trick against Newcastle United on his last outing.
The teenager has been tipped to be the next £100 million player in the Premier League and it will be intriguing to see how he performs at Old Trafford.
Given the form he showed against the Magpies, Ferguson could be worth following in the live sports betting market to get on the scoresheet this weekend.
Man United vs Brighton Potential Starting XI
Man United: Andre Onana, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, Lisandro Martinez, Diogo Dalot, Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Anthony Martial, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Hojlund.
Brighton: Jason Steele, James Milner, Adam Webster, Lewis Dunk, Pervis Estupinan, Pascal Gross, Mahmoud Dahoud, Solly March, Joao Pedro, Kaoru Mitoma, Evan Ferguson.
Man United vs Brighton Prediction
We have a sneaky suspicion this game could be another thriller and would not be surprised to see Brighton snatch an early lead at Old Trafford.
Odds on the live in-play betting for United to come back and win the game would be tempting at this point and we fancy them to get the job done.
There have been 30 goals scored in the league games involving the two sides this term and we anticipate another goal-fest this weekend.
A 3-2 win for United is priced at 20/1, while 4-2 can be backed at 40/1. Splitting your stake to wager on both outcomes should give you a good run for your money.
