Predicted Manchester United Line-up To Face Brighton And Hove Albion In The Premier League

Manchester United will look to close down the gap on runaway Premier League leaders Manchester City when they take on Brighton & Hove Albion, at the Old Trafford, on Saturday. 

The Red Devils sit 2nd in the league table, with 26 points from 12 games, 8 behind City, who are scheduled to take on Huddersfield Town on Sunday. Manager Jose Mourinho will be hoping that his side cut down the deficit before their neighbours play against Huddersfield. United won their previous league encounter, beating Newcastle United 4-1 at home, but endured a defeat in the midweek, in the UEFA Champions League against FC Basel, and will be keen on bouncing back. 

Team News 

Defender Phil Jones is doubtful to feature once again, while fellow centre-half Eric Bailly to is unlikely to be involved. Marcos Rojo made his first appearance after a long injury layoff, on Wednesday night, and could be in for a start in the league game as well. Veteran midfielder Michael Carrick is a major doubt with a calf strain. 

Here’s how United might line up against the Seagulls on Saturday:

Manager: Jose Mourinho 

Formation: 4-2-3-1 

David De Gea (GK) 

Having sat out for the Champions League game, the Spanish international should be back between the sticks for United, with Sergio Romero making way. 

Antonio Valencia (RB) 

The Ecuadorian was another absentee from the loss against Basel during the midweek. Should replace Matteo Darmian at right-back. 

Chris Smalling (CB) 

Has been a constant presence in the backline of late, owing to the number of injuries for the Red Devils. Unlikely to change on Saturday. 

Marcos Rojo (CB) 

After a long time out due to a serious knee injury, he returned to action during the midweek and looked good. Could start ahead of Victor Lindelof.  

Ashley Young (LB) 

The England international has developed into a key figure in the squad with his strong displays at left-back. Should come in for the ineffective Daley Blind.  

Paul Pogba (CM) 

The MVP for Jose Mourinho’s United, his presence on the pitch is absolutely vital for the team to prosper. A definite starter in one of the two midfield pivots.  

Nemanja Matic (CM) 

Alongside the drive and enterprise of Pogba, it should be the calming influence and defensive resilience of Nemanja Matic.

Marcus Rashford (RW) 

The Engish starlet was not a part of the starting XI in the European encounter but should come back into the scheme of things for Saturday. 

Juan Mata (CAM) 

The little Spaniard should feature in the No.10 role for the Red Devils, considering Mourinho isn’t particularly trusting of Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s abilities of late.

Anthony Martial (LW)

On the left flank, it should be Frenchman Anthony Martial to get the nod. Could prove to be a handful for the visitors to handle.

Romelu Lukaku (ST) 

Having ended his 7-game goal drought last weekend, the Belgian international will be keen on getting his name on the scoresheet again on Saturday.