EPL: Manchester United v Brighton preview

Manchester United v Brighton preview

Manchester United will be looking to build on their impressive home record when they play host to improving Brighton on Saturday.

The Red Devils have not lost a competitive match at Old Trafford since September 2016 and they have won all nine contests at the venue so far this term, conceding a poultry two goals.

United have also never lost to Brighton on home soil, although Saturday will be the first meeting between the two sides in nearly 25 years.

Boss Jose Mourinho will be hoping for a response from his team following their disappointing Champions League defeat in Basel on Wednesday, with the likes of Ashley Young, Juan Mata and Antonio Valencia expected to return to the starting line-up.

However, defenders Eric Bailly and Phil Jones remain unavailable, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic is not yet fit enough to start, as he continues his comeback following a long-term knee injury.

Brighton's impressive start to life in the Premier League shows no signs of slowing down, as Monday night's 2-2 draw with Stoke extended their unbeaten run in the division to five matches.

Chris Hughton's men have particularly impressed on the road, securing back-to-back victories at West Ham and Swansea, although they have never won three successive away games in the top-flight.

The Seagulls will be boosted by the return of midfielder Beram Kayal, who is yet to feature this season after breaking his leg in pre-season, although Steve Sidwell remains unavailable due to a back problem.

Saturday's match will also be a repeat of the 1983 FA Cup final, a contest United won, although they needed a replay to see off the Seagulls.