Manchester United seems to have righted the ship, at least a little bit, in Europe as they have conceded just one goal in their last three Europa League matches. At home though, still a shambles…at least when they’re playing someone not named Chelsea.
Sunday sees the Red Devils welcome Brighton & Hove Albion to Old Trafford, and who knows what MUFC team will show up for this one. On paper, United should win easily but how many times have we said that this season, only to see the result be a draw or loss? With that spirit in mind, let’s take a look at the team news for this one.
For United, midfielder Scott McTominay is a doubt after sustaining a foot injury in the 3-0 win at Partizan Belgrade last night. With Nemanja Matic a non-factor and Paul Pogba out until the end of the month, midfielders are getting few and far between at United. You can pretty much guarantee a start for Fred in this one.
Another injury concern is the world’s most expensive defender, Harry Maguire, who faces a late fitness test after suffering a knock last night. His partner in the central defense pairing, Victor Lindelof, is battling a back injury, but is expected to see action. With first choice left back Luke Shaw still out since August and the second choice at the position, Ashley Young, suspended we will probably see academy graduate Brandon Wiliams, who has impressed in UEL action.
You already have a host of United defenders who remain out long term.
As for Brighton, defender Adam Webster has been ruled out after getting subbed off last weekend due to an ankle injury. He joins Bernardo and Jose Izquierdo among the inactives.
Manchester United vs Brighton & Hove Albion FYIs
United starting XI prediction: go to this link
Kickoff: 2 BST, Nov 10, Old Trafford
Google Result Probability: Manchester United win 57% Draw 27% Brighton & Hove Albion win 16%
Form Guide: Brighton & Hove Albion- WWLWL United- LWDLD
Odds via Betway: Manchester United win 8/13, Draw 14/5, Brighton & Hove Albion 5/1
Prediction: United 2, Brighton & Hove Albion 1
Trying to size up and predict United is difficult this season, as their consistent inconsistencies have yielded the club’s worst start in close to 30 years.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, the author of “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry,” regularly appears on WGN CLTV and co-hosts the “Let’s Get Weird, Sports” podcast on SB Nation.
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