Match Preview: Brighton vs MU, 18:30 on August 24, Round 2 of the 2024/25 Premier League. RecSport will provide an analysis of the team news, expected lineups, and score prediction.
Brighton vs MU Form Analysis
Round 2 of the 2024/25 Premier League will kick off with a highly anticipated and unpredictable clash between Brighton and MU. This will be an important test for Erik ten Hag’s team, while Brighton will have the opportunity to prove that their 3-0 victory over Everton in Round 1 was no fluke.
Brighton silenced all critics after their pre-season friendlies with an impressive 3-0 win against Everton at Goodison Park. Previously, the Seagulls were criticized for selecting weak opponents to win all four of their friendlies, with some suggesting that they would “bark loudly but bite softly.” Additionally, following the departure of head coach Roberto De Zerbi (who moved to Marseille), they were predicted to struggle, with concerns that the team could face instability.
However, both their summer preparations and their opening match have shown that Brighton possesses the strength, from players to the coach, to compete on equal footing with any opponent using their attractive, direct, and effective style of play. Five different players contributed to the three goals in the Seagulls’ opener: Kaoru Mitoma, Dani Welbeck (1 goal and 1 assist), Mats Wieffer, Simon Adingra (1 goal each), and Yankuba Minteh (1 assist).
This demonstrates that Brighton can create surprises from any position on the pitch and at any time if their opponents lose focus. Under the guidance of new coach Fabian Hurzeler, Brighton seems sharper and more effective. Furthermore, Brighton has always played very well against Ten Hag’s MU. In their last five meetings, they have won 3, drawn 1, and lost only 1.
As for MU, they enter this match with a comfortable mindset after their narrow 1-0 win over Fulham in the season opener. Although it was a hard-fought victory, secured thanks to a goal from substitute and newcomer Joshua Zirkzee, the Red Devils’ performance still shows promise.
Clearly, the 1-0 result does not fully reflect MU’s gameplay or what they brought to the match against Fulham. Casemiro, Mason Mount, and Lisandro Martinez performed relatively well. Whether in possession or not, MU maintained good team shape, thanks to Martinez’s tenacity, Mount’s dynamism, and Casemiro’s ball control.
Additionally, Ten Hag has prepared well for alternative strategies. When MU struggled to create opportunities, the Dutch manager switched from a 4-2-2-2 formation to a 4-3-3, bringing on Zirkzee and Alejandro Garnacho. This change was decisive in securing MU’s win, with Zirkzee scoring from Garnacho’s assist. MU now has players who can make a difference when needed.
Although MU has not had great recent results against Brighton, their 2-0 victory last season and the positive signs in their recent performances give the Red Devils confidence heading into this match. Furthermore, Brighton has not performed well at home, with four losses and just one win in their last five Premier League matches.
Latest Brighton vs MU Team News
Brighton will be without key players such as Bart Verbruggen, Solly March, Julio Enciso, Pervis Estupinan, and Yankuba Minteh (injured in the 3-0 win over Everton). However, Evan Ferguson and Tariq Lamptey might return to bolster the Seagulls ahead of the MU clash.
MU, on the other hand, is dealing with several injury concerns. Victor Lindelof and Jadon Sancho are nearing a return, but they are among several players expected to miss the trip to Brighton. Rasmus Hojlund and Luke Shaw may be out until after the international break in September, while Tyrell Malacia and Leny Yoro are not expected to be fit before November 2024.
Predicted Lineups Brighton vs MU
- Brighton (4-2-3-1): Steele, Veltman, Hecke, Dunk, Hinshelwood; Milner, Wieffer; Adingra, Pedro, Mitoma; Welbeck.
- MU (4-2-3-1): Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot; Casemiro, Mainoo; Amad, Fernandes, Garnacho, Zirkzee.
Expert Football Predictions for Brighton vs MU
Alex Young (football expert at The Standard) predicts: “This is a real challenge for both the hosts and the visitors. However, I believe MU will edge out Brighton with a narrow victory, thanks to their big-game experience.”
Key Statistics for Brighton vs MU
In their previous 33 meetings, MU has dominated with 21 victories, while Brighton has won only 7. The teams have drawn 5 times.
Prediction: 2-3