An Opta supercomputer is predicting Erik ten Hag's Man United will face misery in their second game of the campaign as they travel to the Amex to face Brighton, after beating Fulham 1-0 in the season opener
Manchester United are more likely to lose their trip to Brighton this weekend, according to a Premier League supercomputer that has predicted round two's matches.
The 2024-25 campaign is finally underway after the first round of games last weekend, with some early indications already about who looks the strongest and who could be challenging for the title.
There were plenty of eyes on United as they featured in the curtain raiser against Fulham at Old Trafford, with the Red Devils looking impressive at times as new signing Joshua Zirkzee popped up with a late winner to secure a vital 1-0 victory.
Erik ten Hag will be hoping to continue that vein of form this weekend when his side travel to the Amex to face the Seagulls - though an Opta supercomputer is predicting the Dutchman will face misery in this second game of the campaign.
United have been given just a 36 per cent chance of winning against Brighton this weekend, with Fabian Hurzeler's side favoured with a 39.4 per cent chance, with a draw rated at 24.6 per cent. The Seagulls have already got off to a great start this season, beating Everton 3-0 away from home on the opening day.
Defeat for Ten Hag would be a huge blow given that his side welcome rivals Liverpool to Old Trafford in the following game on September 1, so the former Ajax boss will know he will need to pick up as many points in the early stages as possible.
Elsewhere, the supercomputer has predicted few other shocks, with title contenders Arsenal backed at 51.1 per cent to see off a tough challenge in their trip to Champions League outfit Aston Villa, while Man City have been given a huge 81.6 per cent chance of beating newly-promoted Ipswich.
Tottenham started their season by firing a blank in a 1-1 draw at Leicester, but the supercomputer believes Ange Postecoglou's side will bounce back by beating Everton at home - giving them a 61.8 per cent chance of doing so.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are rated at 71.4 per cent to see off Brentford at home, following up on their 2-0 opening win against Ipswich at Portman Road.
Chelsea were beaten 2-0 at home to Man City in their first game and have faced huge pressure to start the season well after splashing out around £200million on a raft of summer signings - while off the field issues like Raheem Sterling's future have overshadowed matters on the pitch - but their second game could offer more optimism.
The supercomputer has predicted that Chelsea have a 52.6 per cent chance of seeing off Wolves at Molineux in what would be a welcome return to form, with Wolves given a 24 per cent chance.
The other predictions see Newcastle backed to beat Bournemouth away from home, Southampton predicted to see off Nottingham Forest, while Fulham are favoured against Leicester and Crystal Palace are tipped to beat West Ham.
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