Premier League: United Looking to Give Ralf Rangnick a Fitting Managerial Farewell

Brighton & Hove Albion vs Manchester United

This season has been a tough pill to swallow for the Red Devils after dropping out from the top four of the Premier League table. As of this writing, Manchester United are at sixth with 58 points, while fourth-placed Arsenal and fifth-placed Tottenham have 63 and 61, and they have two more games at hand.

Three notches below them is where Brighton stand with 44 points. The Seagulls have exceeded expectations this term since they are guaranteed with a Top 10 finish, which is in stark contrast to last season where they were fighting for their top-flight status.

In just a few weeks, Ralf Rangnick will be moving upstairs for his consultancy role – leaving Erik ten Hag with big shoes to fill next season – so United will look to rally behind the German, who has given all he had for the club during his time as their interim boss.

Talking Points

Brighton oozing with potential in years to come

Brighton are fresh from a 3-0 victory over Wolves last Saturday, which is one of their best performances of the season. Alexis Mac Allister started the scoring binge with his penalty near half-time, and then second-half goals from Leandro Trossard and Yves Bissouma iced the game.

Much has been said about Brighton’s need for a striker upgrade, but so far they’ve been coping well despite the fact that Danny Welbeck is approaching past his prime and Neal Maupay sitting on the bench.

Graham Potter has been leaning on to the young midfield trio of Yves Bissouma, Alexis Mac Allister, and Moises Caicedo, while wingers Leandro Trossard and Enock Mwepu have been getting rave reviews for their performances this term.

All of them are more than capable of producing Premier League 2022 highlights, and who knows what their ceiling is since their collective potential is sky high.

The only bad news ahead of this game is that Enock Mwepu is listed as questionable after being forced off the pitch against Wolves due to a groin injury. Should he not play, Pascal Groß or Tariq Lamptey might get the starting nod.

After Manchester United, the Seagulls will be facing Leeds United and West Ham United next, and both games are winnable since neither of the aforementioned are in great form.

Who will be available for Manchester United?

Ralf Rangnick once mentioned that he had around eight players on their injured list, which is why he’s hopeful that there’ll be more warm bodies available at his disposal.

Manchester United are fresh from a much-needed 3-0 victory at home against Brentford on Monday despite being undermanned, so they should like their chances ahead of Saturday since some of their injured players are working their way back to 100-per cent fitness.

Previously injured Fred and Edinson Cavani came on as subs in their match against the Bees, while Luke Shaw (leg), Paul Pogba (calf), and Jadon Sancho (tonsillitis) remain on the sidelines, with Rangnick suggesting that they’re all out for the season.

Furthermore, Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have yet to play since their 4-0 defeat to Liverpool, and they’ll look to reclaim their places in the starting XI assuming both will get through training unscathed.

History

Brighton have a score to settle with Manchester United on Saturday night given their woeful record against them. The Seagulls have lost each of their last seven meetings versus the Red Devils, which is the longest ongoing winning run by the latter against a current Premier League team.

At the same time, Brighton are winless in their last eight league games at home (D4, L4) since their 2-0 victory over Brentford on Boxing Day, although Manchester United have lost each of their last four league games on the road.

United beat Brighton 2-0 in their reverse fixture at Old Trafford last February as the Portuguese duo of Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes found the back of the net during the second half.

Betting Tip

Given Manchester United’s inconsistencies along with Brighton’s improving form, it’s hard to tell on who will win in this match. But as far as the SBOTOP Premier League 2022 odds are concerned, the Red Devils are backed to win 2.48, while the Seagulls are pegged at 2.81 and a draw is at 3.20 in the 1X2 market.

With a close match in the cards, instead we’ll take a look on how many goals can these two clubs score given their available players, and we feel that Total Goal 2-3 @ 1.90 is your best bet.

 

●●●

CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS

Stay updated with everything sports and betting.

Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.