Manchester United vs Brighton tips and predictions: Fernandes to fire in Old Trafford goal fest
Manchester United state of play
It was Amad Diallo to the rescue against Southampton as the winger's late hat-trick helped United avoid an embarrassing result against the Premier League's worst team on Thursday.
The victory was the Red Devils' first since Diallo's shock winner at Manchester City a month ago and momentum is building at Old Trafford as the three points followed last weekend's dramatic penalty shootout success over Arsenal in the FA Cup.
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Ruben Amorim's side remain in the bottom half of the Premier League table, but a winning streak could see them make a late play for Europe.
Brighton state of play
Brighton also added three points to their tally on Thursday as goals from Kaoru Mitoma and Georginio Rutter secured victory at Ipswich.
It was the Seagulls' first Premier League success in nine games - a streak stretching back to the end of November - and built on last weekend's facile FA Cup win at Championship outfit Norwich.
Brighton are among the clutch of teams hoping to bag a place in Europe and Sunday's trip to Old Trafford is the sort of fixture they need to be claiming maximum points from if they are to hit their target.
Key talking point: Can Fernandes down the Seagulls?
Bruno Fernandes is having, arguably, his worst season since joining United, but he continues to be their most reliable attacking threat.
The Portuguese has 10 goal involvements in 20 league appearances and his best work has come on home soil, with seven goals and assists at Old Trafford.
He remains eager to get on the scoresheet, averaging more than two shots per game, and his expected assists figure of 0.39 per 90 minutes ranks him among the highest in the league.
United should get plenty of scoring opportunities as Brighton have conceded 16 times in 11 away matches, an average of 1.45 which is close to their expected goals against figure of 1.33.
Fernandes could also be presented with a chance from the spot as referee Peter Bankes has awarded four penalties in 12 games this term.
FIRST’s top tip for Manchester United vs Brighton
Player to Score or Assist - Bruno Fernandes - 10/11 (Betway)
United should take advantage of potential weaknesses in Brighton's defence and Fernandes appears well placed to be involved.
Extra tips
Total Goals 2.5 - Over - 4/6 (Betway)
There have been three goals or more in seven of United's 10 home games and the same number of Brighton's away matches.
Highest Scoring Half - 2nd - 103/100 (Mr.Play)
United average one goal and have scored in 64% of second-half games at Old Trafford, which is higher than their first-half metrics. It's a similar case for Brighton in away fixtures.
Team news
Diogo Dalot returns from suspension, but United are missing Jonny Evans, Victor Lindelof, Mason Mount and Luke Shaw.
Brighton defender Igor is out for the rest of the season, Ferdi Kadioglu and James Milner remain sidelined, while Mats Wieffer and Evan Ferguson are doubts.
Manchester United vs Brighton predicted line-ups
Manchester United: Onana; De Ligt, Maguire, Martinez; Mazraoui, Ugarte, Mainoo, Dalot; Fernandes, Diallo; Hojlund (3-4-2-1)
Brighton: Verbruggen; Veltman, Dunk, Van Hecke, Estupinan; Baleba, Ayari; Minteh, O'Riley, Mitoma; Pedro (4-2-3-1)
Form guide
Manchester United: LLWWLLLLDDW
Brighton: DLDLDDDDWW
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