Solskjaer aims to continue charge for top four at the expense of Brighton

Brighton & Hove Albion travel to Old Trafford this weekend in an attempt to get back on track against a buoyant Manchester United.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer faced his biggest test as United manager last weekend when his side travelled to Wembley to face Tottenham. A magical piece of play between Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford ensure all three points went back to Manchester with a 1-0 win, and the Red Devils top four hopes were put back on track.

Brighton have been quietly going about their business this season, Chris Hughton hopes to consolidate his side’s position in the Premier League. The Irishmen has so far avoided the fabled ‘second season syndrome’ in the Premier League as the Seagulls sit comfortably in 13th place, eight points clear of relegation.

United will be without Chris Smalling and Marcus Rojo, both have recently started light training and could be back in contention in early February. Alexis Sanchez is suffering from a hamstring injury and may take a place on the bench, but Marouane Fellaini will miss the game with a calf strain.

Brighton winger Jose Izquierdo is still struggling to return to full fitness, his knee injury is expected to keep him on the sidelines for the rest of the month. Bruno Fernandes is unlikely to recover in time to make the game at Old Trafford having suffered with a hamstring problem. Yves Bissouma is expected to take a late fitness test and may be ready for a starting position.

Hughton has beaten the Red Devils in the last two meetings as Brighton boss, winning 3-2 at The Amex Stadium in the second game of the season. The previous result was a 1-0 win that aided their survival last campaign as Pascal Gross scored the winning goal.

For United, they will be hoping Rashford and Pogba can continue their fine form. The two have conjured up a partnership which is proving fruitful and keeping Romelu Lukaku out of the team. The defence will need to keep Glenn Murray at bay who, even in his advancing years, has proven to be a thorn in the side of many Premier League team.

Prediction; Manchester United 3-1 Brighton