Brighton v Manchester United: Narrow win for Mourinho's men

Brighton 5.70 v Manchester United 1.74; The Draw 3.95
Friday, 19:45
Live On Sky Sports Main Event

Do Brighton already have enough points to stay up?

Brighton have an extremely tough run in, but it's entirely possible that they have already done enough to ensure that they remain in the Premier League.

After the match on Friday night against Manchester United, the Seagulls face away trips to Manchester City and Liverpool. Yet with five points separating Brighton from the relegation zone, 18th placed Southampton would need to win two of their last three games to overhaul Chris Hughton's team.

This match could well represent Brighton's best chance of adding to their points total. In their most recent outings, they have claimed very useful draws against Spurs and Burnley.

Hughton has a nearly fully fit squad to call from, with only the long term casualty Steve Sidwell unavailable for the visit of Manchester United. The Brighton manager's biggest decision looks set to be the choice between top scorer Glenn Murray and Leonardo Ulloa, who started in the match against Burnley.

United still capable of losing when you least expect

Manchester United look set to finish second in the Premier League and have definitely made progress in Jose Mourinho's second season in charge.

They could claim a maximum of 86 points this season, which is a total that would very often be enough to win the title. United are also in the FA Cup final, giving Mourinho the chance to win a third trophy since joining the club.

There are however still issues for Mourinho to iron out. He still doesn't know his strongest side, the team's attacking play can often be lumpen and though more consistent, United remain capable of losing matches when you least expect it. Their last three defeats to the likes of West Brom, Sevilla and Newcastle are proof of the latter and give Brighton hope of pulling off a shock.

Mourinho has two injury worries ahead of the match, with Phil Jones and Romelu Lukakuboth rated as doubts.

Ref Watch

Craig Pawson will officiate. He took charge of Manchester United's most recent away defeat in the Premier League, when they lost to Newcastle back in February.

Away victory nicely priced

Manchester United are the 1.74 favourites, with the draw at 3.95 and Brighton out at 5.70.

It's a fairly chunky price for a United win when you consider that have won their last four away games in the Premier League, with the odds no doubt having been inflated by Brighton's need for points.

When United recent travelled to the south coast they beat Bournemouth without conceding. You can back Manchester United to win to nil at 2.88.

Stats point to tight match

Over 2.5 goals is the very slight favourite at 1.90, with unders at 1.91.

It's a surprise to see under 2.5 goals at such a big price. Six of Brighton's last seven games have produced less than three goals, which includes their FA Cup defeat at Old Trafford, in which Manchester United won 2-0.

Could Rashford step into Lukaku's boots?

Despite the fact that he might miss the game through injury, Lukaku is the favourite to find the net at 2.40. With Lukaku's involvement in doubt, his likely replacement Marcus Rashford could deliver in his absence at 2.90.

RECOMMENDED BETS

Back Manchester United to win at 1.74

Back under 2.5 goals at 1.91