Manchester United — Brighton Prediction, H2H and Probable Lineups — 11 January 2026
On January 11, 2026, in the third round of the FA Cup, Manchester United will host Brighton. The match is set to kick off at 17:30 Central European Time. Let’s take a closer look at the potential outcome of this clash.
Manchester United
Manchester United are going through a difficult period. Over their last six matches, the team have recorded just one win — against Newcastle. They have also drawn four times and lost once. In the last three matches, United played to draws twice, 1–1 against Wolverhampton and Leeds, and most recently 2–2 away at Burnley. Additionally, Manchester United’s defense has been vulnerable, conceding in 13 of their last 14 matches.
These results prompted the club to make a managerial change. Ruben Amaria was replaced, and the last match against Burnley was overseen by caretaker manager Darren Fletcher.
Currently, Manchester United sit 7th in the Premier League table with 32 points, just two points behind the Champions League spots. At home, United have been more solid. In their last nine matches at Old Trafford, they have recorded five wins, three draws, and only one defeat.
In last season’s FA Cup, Manchester United reached the 1/8 finals, losing to Fulham, while in the previous season, they won the FA Cup, defeating Manchester City in the final.
Looking at home matches against Brighton, the recent head-to-head record is not particularly favourable. Over the last four meetings at Old Trafford, United have won only once and lost three times. This single victory came in the current season, with Manchester United securing a 4–2 home win over Brighton.
Brighton
Brighton are also going through a challenging period. Over their last eight matches, the team have recorded just one win, along with four draws and three defeats. However, in their most recent games, Brighton have somewhat stabilized, remaining unbeaten in three matches in a row — two draws against West Ham and Manchester City, and a victory over Burnley.
Currently, Brighton sit 11th in the Premier League table with 29 points, just four points shy of the European qualification spots.
Their away form remains inconsistent. In the last four away matches, Brighton have not secured a win, recording two draws and two defeats.
In last season’s FA Cup, Brighton reached the quarter-finals, where they were eliminated by Nottingham Forest.
Looking at recent head-to-head encounters against Manchester United, the matches have generally been competitive and high-scoring. Over the last five meetings, four matches saw over 2.5 goals, and in four of those five matches, both teams managed to score. Brighton have a slight advantage in these recent encounters, with three wins compared to two defeats.
Probable Lineups
- Manchester United: Lammens, Shaw, Martinez, Heaven, Dalot, Casemiro, Ugarte, Cunha, Fernandes, Dorgu, Sesko
- Brighton: Verbruggen, De Cuyper, Dunk, van Hecke, Kadioglu, Gross, Ayari, Gomez, Hinshelwood, Mitoma, Rutter
Key Facts and Head-to-Head
- Manchester United have won or drawn 8 of their last 9 matches.
- In 8 of Manchester United’s last 9 matches, both teams scored.
- Brighton have failed to win 7 of their last 8 matches.
- In 3 of Brighton’s last 4 matches, both teams scored.
- 4 of last 5 head-to-head meetings have seen over 2.5 goals.
- In 4 of last 5 head-to-head meetings, both teams scored.
Manchester United — Brighton Prediction
Both teams enter this FA Cup clash in challenging form. Manchester United have won just one of their last six matches. The team recently changed their manager and are currently in a period of restructuring. Despite this, United remain high in the Premier League table, sitting just two points outside the Champions League spots, while performing confidently at home. Brighton, on the other hand, have won only one of their last eight matches, but in recent games they have stabilized, remaining unbeaten in their last three matches. Head-to-head encounters between the sides are usually exciting and high-scoring, with goals from both teams and totals often exceeding 2.5 goals. Brighton hold a slight advantage in recent meetings. Considering both teams’ current form, the hosts’ defensive issues, and the desire of both sides to end negative streaks and lift morale, this FA Cup tie promises to be competitive, entertaining, and likely full of action. All factors point to goals from both sides. My bet for this match: Both Teams to Score — Yes at odds of 1.57.
