The defeat against FC Basel should work as an inspiration for Manchester United when they host an inform Brighton & Hove Albion at the Old Trafford this weekend. The Red Devils fell to an uncharacteristic defeat against the Swiss team and they would need to come down hard on the Seagulls in a bid to get back to winning ways.
United definitely need to do some catch-up job with Manchester City, who are yet to taste defeat in the Premier League this season, currently topping the Premier League table. Pep Guardiola’s men have been in perilous form and are in no mood to stop anytime soon.
Brighton had a pretty underwhelming start but it seems Chris Hughton’s pep talk in the dressing room has enabled to set a different mood in the team in the last few matches and they have been on a roll.
The newly-promoted side, who are playing in the top tier for the first time in their history, have made all efforts to make this season memorable and are sitting pretty comfortably in the ninth place with 16 points.
United need to be cautious in a bid to avoid any kind of mistakes.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Manchester United Starting Lineup Vs Brighton And Hove Albion
Defence
David De Gea wasn’t involved in the 1-0 loss at the hands of FC Basel as Sergio Romero was deployed to take care of things. But Jose Mourinho is unlikely to risk things and De Gea will be in the goal as expected.
Chris Smalling gave Gareth Southgate some food for thought after his sublime display and he will be in the thick of things again.
Eric Bailly could be fit in time to partner Smalling in the backline.
Ashley Young has been consistent in the left back role and he should start on the left side of the defence while Antonio Valencia will be on the opposite side.
Midfield
Paul Pogba’s influence on this team is quite crucial and we could see that against Newcastle United in the last match. The French international made a huge difference and he is expected to be in the middle of the pitch.
Nemanja Matic will be alongside him to brush aside the attacking threats of Brighton.
Attack
Henrikh Mkhitaryan hasn’t been used in the last couple of matches and he might be introduced in the no. 10 position.
Marcus Rashford has matured into a more developed player and Mourinho has been using him quite regularly to build up the momentum for the future. He and Anthony Martial will start on the flanks to give the attack a whole new shape.
Romelu Lukaku will spearhead the attack.
