Published Jan 8, 4:40am ET by
Alex Dudley - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Jan 8, 4:40am ET
Credit: Shutterstock
Updated Jan 8, 4:40am ET
An all-Premier League clash is set for the FA Cup this weekend, as Man United welcome Brighton to Old Trafford. Find the odds and our picks for the third-round clash here.
Darren Fletcher took charge of the Red Devils for the first time on Wednesday following Ruben Amorim’s sacking. United looked offensively strong throughout the fixture against Burnley, but defensive weakness ensured that a 2-2 draw was played out.
Brighton have returned to form over the last seven days, avoiding defeat in their last three fixtures. They would have taken huge confidence from their 1-1 draw at Man City on Wednesday evening.
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|
|---|---|
| Man United | -120 |
| The Draw | +255 |
| Brighton | +240 |
Fletcher will take control of United for likely the final time on Sunday, as the Red Devils step up their search for a new manager in the second-half of the week.
The former United midfielder would have been pleased with his side’s attacking display on Wednesday, as the Red Devils scored twice from 30 shots, and hit the woodwork on a further two occasions. However, United will need to be more clinical in the final third, and avoid defensive lapses in concentration.
The FA Cup presents the Red Devils with their only chance of silverware this season, and they haven’t been eliminated in the third-round of the competition since 2013-14.
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Brighton have moved up the league standings following a progressive run of results. However, wins have still been in short supply after playing out draws in three of their last five.
But, plenty of positives would have been taken from their 1-1 outcome at Man City on Wednesday. The Seagulls have struggled on the road throughout this season, winning on just two occasions from eleven fixtures and conceding 1.55 goals per 90.
Brighton have a respected FA Cup record in recent seasons, reaching the quarterfinals in two of the last three campaigns. Meanwhile, they haven’t suffered a third-round knockout since 2019-20.
| TOTAL | Man United | Brighton | DRAWS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Games | 20 | 11 | 8 | 1 |
| Goals | 59 | 33 | 26 |
Man United’s performance in midweek was much better than the scoreline suggests. If they are more clinical in the final third this weekend, then they should have few issues overcoming the Seagulls. The Red Devils will also take confidence from their 4-2 win at Old Trafford against Brighton earlier this season.
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Pick
Man United (-120)
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