Manchester United will be buoyed by a dramatic 2-1 win at Liverpool on Sunday — their first at Anfield in nearly a decade — and for the first time under Rúben Amorim, they’ve secured back-to-back league wins. United’s home form of late is also encouraging: they’ve won their last three league games at Old Trafford, scoring two or more goals each time.
Brighton sits just a point behind United after securing a 2-1 victory of their own last weekend (against Newcastle United). The Seagulls are unbeaten in their previous four league matches (2 wins, two draws). However, their 12-point tally this early is their worst return since the 2020/21 season. Away from home, they’ve only won once in four league trips (D1, L2), and have kept just one clean sheet in their last 20 Premier League away fixtures.
Head-to-Head and Psychological Edge
Brighton hold the upper hand in this fixture of late: they have won the last three league visits to Old Trafford and have won six of the previous seven Premier League meetings between the two clubs (losing just one) — a big contrast to their earlier record against United. With that kind of dominance, Brighton arrives here with a substantial psychological boost.
Key Stats and Trends to Watch
- United have never lost when they score the opening goal this season (W4, D1).
- Six of United’s last seven home league defeats came when they failed to find the net.
- Brighton have conceded first in all four of their away league matches this season.
- Of Brighton’s last six away league wins, each came by a margin of more than one goal.
These numbers suggest United’s best route is to strike early and assert their dominance at home; conversely, Brighton’s away weakness is giving up the first goal and then having to chase.
Players and Team News
United are missing Lisandro MartÃnez through injury, which weakens their defensive options.
Brighton may be without Brajan Gruda, Joel Veltman, and Jack Hinshelwood — meaning they might be short-handed. On the flip side, United must be wary of Bryan Mbeumo (involved in six goals in his last four starts against Brighton, G3 A3), and the ever-dangerous Danny Welbeck, who has had goal involvements vs his former club in four of the previous five seasons (three at Old Trafford).
Prediction: Who Takes the Upper Hand?
Given United’s home momentum, fresh confidence from a landmark win, and Brighton’s away vulnerabilities, you might expect a United win. However — and this is key — Brighton’s recent dominance in the fixture introduces a strong counter-narrative. Their pattern of away losses can be flipped by hitting United early and capitalizing on United’s occasional defensive lapses.
Prediction: I’m leaning toward an away win for Brighton. They’ve proved they can win at Old Trafford lately, United’s resurgence might still be fragile, and Brighton has nothing much to lose, which often breeds sharper performances. Expect a tight affair, possibly 2-1 to Brighton.
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Final word: United will want to build on the Liverpool win and keep the momentum going — especially at home. But Brighton’s recent record here suggests the visitors could snatch a result. My tip: Brighton to win 2-1.
