Slim Pickings: My Week 2 PL Pick

If you followed my pick last week you would have picked Burnley to cover the spread. As predicted Burnley drew against Southampton, which puts me 1-0 for this season. The best game for this week is Manchester United (“United”) against Brighton and Hove Albion (“Brighton”).

United and Brighton have played against each other twice in the Premier League, and once in the FA Cup. In the league each team has won once, and the score has been 1-0 both games. And United won 2-0 in the FA Cup.

United have the quality to secure another 1-0 win against Brighton. Against Leicester, United registered 6 shots on target and scored 2 goals. If United can create 6 chances on target against Leicester, they should be able to create a few changes against Brighton. And simply put, more chances results in a higher probability to score goals. Manchester United should be able to score 1 to 2 goals. Especially considering Brighton are missing Bruno, Jason Steele, Jose Izquierdo, and Florian Andone.

Additionally, United’s defense should be able to shut down Brighton. In last week’s game against Watford, Brighton were unable to register a shot on target. Brighton also only created two corner opportunities. Because Brighton was unable to create chances, they were unable to score. As a result, they lost 2-0. I do not expect Brighton’s offense to improve against United, and United should be able to keep a clean sheet.

Manchester United will likely win this game 1-0 or 2-0. As a result, I will be taking United -0.5 (-130) to win.