Manchester United host Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford in the third round of the EFL Cup on 16 September 2026, with kick-off at 19:00 GMT. Arthur Wandji, a Cameroonian sports betting expert and journalist, has identified more than 8.5 corners as his main selection at odds of 1.58.
The knockout tie brings together two ambitious Premier League sides competing for progress in a domestic cup. Manchester United will look to make home advantage count, with the Old Trafford crowd providing an important boost.
Bruno Fernandes and Bryan Mbeumo have been among the key performers in recent meetings with Brighton, while United’s attacking players have scored 10 goals in three home matches in all competitions since the start of the season.
Brighton travel to the north of England aiming to upset the expected order. The visitors are known for their adventurous approach under their technical staff, although they will have to manage the absence of some injured players. Their squad depth could prove important as they seek to cause an upset in a single-elimination competition.
Manchester United’s recent sequence is D/W/N/W/L, while Brighton’s is W/N/L/W/W.
The key statistics point towards an open contest. Manchester United won 3-0 in their most recent away meeting with Brighton in May. The five matches between the sides at Old Trafford have produced an average of four goals.
Brighton also regularly win corners through a possession-based approach that makes effective use of the wide areas. In addition, each of the last five meetings between the teams has ended with one side securing victory.
The available selections are more than 8.5 corners at 1.58, a Manchester United exact-score combination of 2-1, 3-1 or 4-1 at 4.00, Bruno Fernandes to score at 2.6, a Manchester United win at 1.83 and more than 2.5 goals at 1.44.
Corner prediction
The expected tactical pattern could lead to a high number of set pieces. Both teams are expected to press high and attack through the width of the pitch, with wing play from forwards and full-backs likely to produce blocked crosses and defensive interventions.
Rapid transitions and an eagerness to take control of the tie further support the selection of more than 8.5 total corners, priced at 1.58.
Exact-score prediction
The suggested score market combines 2-1, 3-1 and 4-1 victories for Manchester United at odds of 4.00. The prediction is for the hosts to use Old Trafford to score twice, while Brighton are expected to find the net once and keep the contest competitive.
Four of the last five meetings between the clubs have seen both teams score. That record supports the combined selection, which anticipates United progressing while Brighton provide sustained resistance.
Bruno Fernandes to score
Bruno Fernandes is also backed to score at 2.6. The Portuguese attacking midfielder and Manchester United captain contributes through his vision, shooting ability and movement into dangerous areas.
He has scored six goals in 13 appearances against Brighton and is responsible for penalties. His capacity to arrive quickly in space and his regular presence near the penalty area make him the recommended goalscorer.
Odds may change.