The coaching upheaval at Manchester United continues. After the departure of Rúben Amorim, they are negotiating with coaches who could take charge until the end of the season, while Darren Fletcher will once again prepare the players for the match against Brighton & Hove Albion, and he is unlikely to eliminate the defence’s usual errors.
Manchester United
Although Manchester United have suffered only one defeat in their last nine rounds of the Premier League, away to an impressive Aston Villa (1:2), their performances still raise questions. Against relegation-zone Burnley (2:2), the side conceded twice from 0.24 xGA, and in the closing stages they could not respond to Antony’s goal. Their supporters were certainly pleased with Benjamin Šeško’s brace, as the Slovenian is gradually finding his form, but now they have to rely on the strength of their attack rather than the reliability of their defence.
Brighton & Hove Albion
Since the beginning of December, Brighton & Hove Albion have played all the sides currently in the top four of the Premier League. Unlike the matches against Aston Villa (3:4), Liverpool (0:2) and Arsenal (1:2), they managed to stop Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium (1:1). Of course, without first-choice holding midfielder Carlos Baleba it is much harder for Fabian Hürzeler’s staff to contain opposition attacks. Away from home, the team have conceded 2+ goals in three of their last four matches.
Manchester United vs Brighton & Hove Albion Prediction
The match against Burnley was already the 13th Premier League fixture this season for Manchester United in which **over 2.5 goals** were scored; only Bournemouth and West Ham United have higher figures, with 14 such matches each. In the first league meeting between the sides this season, they won a high-scoring game against Brighton & Hove Albion, and the cup tie should also produce plenty of chances.
