Last season, Manchester United finished sixth in the rankings, 13 points behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, while Brighton finished ninth with 51 points.
Team News
Manchester United
- Anthony Martial is out due to a hamstring injury. This situation might allow Ronaldo to start through the middle. However, a lack of minutes this summer is likely to count against the Portuguese, which might mean that Marcus Rashford shifts central, with Anthony Elanga coming in on the wing.
- Much depends on whether Jadon Sancho recovers from an illness in time, since the England international has not been seen in training this week and was not mentioned by Ten Hag at his press conference.
- Lisandro Martinez might make his debut at the heart of the defense, while Malacia could replace Luke Shaw at left-back, who was absent last weekend due to sickness.
- Facundo Pellistri (ankle) and Brandon Williams (unspecified) are expected to miss, while Mason Greenwood is still suspended by the club.
Brighton
- In terms of Brighton, Potter confirmed during his pre-match news conference that he has a fully healthy team with the exception of Jakub Moder, who is out with a knee injury.
- Cucurella’s exit could allow Solly March to play as a left-sided wing-back, while Alexis Mac Allister is poised to start after recovering from a groin injury.
- Leandro Trossard scored three goals against Espanyol last time out and will likely start against his former team, with Danny Welbeck perhaps leading the line.
Prediction Analysis
Ten Hag is under intense pressure to start the season on a high note, but the Dutchman faces a difficult task given Brighton’s caliber and the fact that they have an exceptional coach. The departure of a handful of key players has weakened the Seagulls, and we feel Man United will be able to open their 2022-23 season with a win.
Our prediction is Manchester United 2-1 Brighton.
Possible Lineup
Manchester United- De Gea; Dalot, Maguire, L Martinez, Malacia; McTominay, Fred; Sancho, Fernandes, Elanga; Rashford
Brighton & Hove Albion- Sanchez; Veltman, Dunk, Webster; Lamptey, Mwepu, Gross, March; MacAllister, Welbeck, Trossard;