Manchester United vs Brighton and Hove Albion
English Premier League, KO: 20:00 Jan 19, 2025, Old Trafford
Manchester United are finally picking up a bit of form but Ruben Amorim's side still look a little vulnerable and face a test of mettle when bogey team Brighton come calling in the Premier League.
After morale-boosting displays against Liverpool and Arsenal, the Red Devils ended a four-game run without a league win by beating rock-bottom Southampton on Thursday night.
That 3-1 triumph brought up a bet for Slips Tips but it was far from a convincing display, with Amorim's side needing a late hat-trick from Amad Diallo to spare their blushes after being outplayed for long spells by a team heading for the drop.
If Manchester United turn in a similar kind of performance against Brighton it's hard to see them getting away with it, given the Seagulls have lost just twice in their last 12 games.
A comfortable 2-0 win at Ipswich on Thursday, which left Slips Tips empty handed, lifted Fabian Hurzeler's side up to ninth and they have the players to cause Amorim's side plenty of problems.
How the bookies view it: Amorim revival to gather pace
Brighton have caused the Red Devils plenty of problems in recent years but BoyleSports make Manchester United their evens favourites with home advantage. The Seagulls are 12/5 outsiders and the draw pays 5/2.
Recent head to head: Game's a bogey for United
Brighton have been a bogey team for Manchester United of late, with the Seagulls losing just one of the last seven meetings. Five of those matches ended in victories, including 3-1 and 2-1 triumphs on their last two trips to Old Trafford.
Players to watch: Joshua off the canvas?
While Amad hogged the headlines on Thursday night, United's revival was also down to Joshua Zirkzee's impressive cameo off the bench. The striker linked play superbly and could have played himself into a start ahead of the ineffective Rasmus Hojlund.
Zirkzee was written off as a flop but could win the doubters over and he's 15/8 at BoyleSports for anytime scorer. He's also evens at Bet365 to either score or assist.
Joao Pedro's return from injury is a big boost for Brighton and he could get some joy against United's defence. The Brazilian is 9/4 with BoyleSports for anytime scorer.
Probable line-ups
In addition to Pedro, Brighton also have Danny Welbeck back fit again but Igor Julio has been ruled out for the season. The stopper joins Evan Ferguson, Ferdy Kadioglou and James Milner on the sidelines while Mats Wieffer, Jack Hinshelwood and Diego Gomez are doubts.
Manchester United's injury problems have eased in recent weeks, with only Mason Mount, Victor Lindelof and Luke Shaw sidelined.
Manchester United: Onana, Martinez, Maguire, De Ligt, Ugarte, Mainoo, Dalot, Mazraoui, Amad, Fernandes, Zirkzee.
Brighton and Hove Albion: Verbruggen, Webster, van Hecke, Estupinan, Veltman, March, Baleba, Ayari, J Pedro, Mitoma, Welbeck.
Anything else catch the eye?
With Brighton having such a good record at Old Trafford in recent years there could be some value in backing them to win either half at 23/20 with BoyleSports.
We should see goals at both ends, despite Amorim's side looking more settled at the back in recent weeks. Brighton have plenty of firepower so I fancy BTTS and over 2.5 goals at 20/21.
When Brighton beat United 2-1 at home earlier in the season, we only saw eight corners. That makes under 10 corners worth a look at 6/5 with Bet365.
Seagulls stopper Jan Paul van Hecke has picked up four yellows this season, with one of those bookings coming in the last clash with United. He's 13/5 at BoyleSports to go into the book again.
This English Premier League match between Manchester United and Brighton and Hove Albion will be played on Jan 19, 2025 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Manchester United vs Brighton and Hove Albion prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
