After their weekend frustrations in the Manchester derby loss to rivals City, Manchester United have the opportunity to shake this off as they enter into the League Cup against fellow Premier League side Brighton, a tough test but a chance to lay down a marker on the season. Following last years embarrassment away at Grimsby, this offers United a chance to progress in the domestic cup and build some momentum in front of a home crowd against a difficult opposition.

In our preview of the game we are going to take a look at the team news coming into the game including our predicted XI for this one, we will have a look at some of the key battles and players to watch and then of course we will make a prediction for how this one could play out.

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Team News

The predicted XI is a tough one to call for this clash, as the League Cup certainly offers opportunities for rotation, however the opponent and importance of putting in a strong showing could lead Carrick into selection a strong side.

I think we will see a few changes in the XI, with Amass likely to be given a start given the fitness and injury concerns of Shaw and Dorgu, it would be a great chance to put faith in the youngster who is staying at United despite links of a move away. Alongside, I think we will see the centre-back pairing fans have been excited to see in Heaven-Yoro, a young pairing but will be keen to impress and push their way into the XI more regularly. The other changes I’d expect would be giving Sesko a start for the first time this season. His fitness and injury concerns over the summer have resulted in only cameo outings so far, but this could be a chance to pick up minutes. Additionally, I think we will see the other youngster Shea Lacey given a start, allowing rest and rotation for Rashford-Mbeumo from the front-line.

There had been a lot of talk around the inclusion of JJ Gabriel however after the reports of his desire to leave, this seems highly unlikely and will surely see Shea Lacey given the opportunity in place of the 15 year old who seems to be on his way out of the club.

Predicted XI: Lammens, Amass, Heaven, Yoro, Dalot, Tielemans, Mainoo, Cunha, Fernandes, Lacey, Sesko

Key Battles

The battles between individuals will largely depend on the selection from both coaches, as we could see some unexpected inclusions and changes, but generally speaking, the main battle will be between United’s uncertain defence and Brighton’s pressing and intensity.

Brighton have scored 3+ goals in 4 games since the start of the season, and they’re coming off a 5-0 hammering of Coventry City. As a result, they are full of confidence, high in energy and in top form across their squad, with Pascal Gross rolling back the years in their latest outing. Meanwhile, United have only kept 1 clean sheet in their Champions League win over Sabah this season, and could struggle if their defence shows the lapses in concentration and decision making as we have seen in some recent games. It will be a real test for a possibly rotated and younger back four if the squad selection is as expected.

At the other end, United’s attack has been steady but uninspiring at points with struggles against the 10-men of Manchester City at the weekend. With Brighton having kept 4 clean sheets already this campaign, United will need to find their attacking cohesion between again a possibly rotated selection in their front-line.

Prediction

This will not be an easy game by any means, and United will have to funnel their frustrations from the recent defeat into this game, requiring a lot of focus to battle against the pressing intensity of Brighton. If United can eliminate some of the defensive mistakes of recent weeks, have a little more cohesion in their attacking display and be smart in possession to play around the Brighton press, they have a strong chance of coming away with the win, even if it might not be a comfortable watch at points.

Manchester United 2-1 Brighton

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