Manchester United return to Premier League action this weekend looking to maintain a home winning streak.
With two wins and two losses in the league this season, the one consolation is that the two victories have come at Old Trafford.
And home advantage could be crucial when Manchester United face Brighton and Hove Albion this weekend. United are unbeaten at Old Trafford in 31 consecutive games in all competitions.
The problem is that the last away team to win at Old Trafford, were Brighton, in Erik ten Hag’s first game.
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Brighton tipped to beat Man Utd
Surely Brighton couldn’t do it again, and win at Old Trafford for a second successive season?
Well, it can’t be ruled out considering their recent impressive form which saw them demolish Newcastle 3-1.
BBC Sport pundit Chris Sutton is tipping a victory for the Seagulls, calling a dramatic 3-2 victory for Roberto De Zerbi’s side.
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He explains that United’s need to attack Brighton could seriously backfire.
Sutton told BBC Sport: “Maybe this is the game where United find their feet – we know they can counter-attack really well, and the way Brighton play might suit them. But I just don’t see it.
“Surely with United being at home, they have to go after Brighton, rather than sitting back and trying to beat them on the break that way?
“If United play the way I am expecting them to, that would play into Brighton’s hands. Evan Ferguson and Danny Welbeck are both injury doubts for Brighton but I think we will see an open game with plenty of goals, and I have a feeling the Seagulls will edge it.”
Brighton strong record v Manchester United
Worryingly, Manchester United have not won over 90 minutes against Brighton in the past four games in all competitions.
This included a humiliating 4-0 loss away from home at the end of the 2021/22 season, before Brighton came to win at Old Trafford 2-1 on the first day of last season.
United edged past Brighton on penalties in April after a 0-0 draw after extra-time, but it was hardly convincing.
And then there was an injury-time defeat away in the league at the end of last season, De Zerbi’s first victory over United.
It feels like United owe Brighton one, and these players have to use that as motivation. It just won’t be easy.