Manchester United vs Brighton: Chris Hughton confident of claiming shock Premier League win
KEY POINTS
- Albion are five games unbeaten ahead of the daunting trip to Old Trafford.
- Jose Mourinho's side have not lost in a club record 38 games at home ahead of Brighton's visit.
- Steve Sidwell the only player not training with Albion, who have an otherwise fully-fit squad.
Brighton and Hove Albion manager Chris Hughton is unwilling to dismiss the possibility of claiming a famous win over Manchester United at Old Trafford this Saturday (25 November).
Jose Mourinho's side have not lost in a club record 38 games in all competitions on their own turf, with the 4-1 win over Newcastle United setting a new benchmark that could be extended against Albion.
The Seagulls are themselves on an unbeaten run – albeit of only five games in the Premier League – and continued their encouraging start to life back in the top flight for the first time in 34 years with a 2-2 draw against Stoke City on Monday.
Eighth after just 11 games and six points above the drop zone, Brighton travel to United this weekend without the pressure of needing a result to combat any early relegation fears. And Hughton wants to take advantage of that unique position.
"Of course we can [beat United]," Hughton said, according to Sky Sports. "We know what we'd have to do to do that. There aren't many teams at our level that are going to go there and win.
"You've got to play at a very high level and you've certainly got to have that bit of luck that goes with a win away from home at any one of the big clubs.
"But these are the days you've worked so hard for as a team and it's what we got promoted for. What we hope to do is to make a good account of ourselves there and we hope we can do that."
United have won 10 of their 16 previous meetings with Brighton including the highest profile clash between the two teams, the 1983 FA Cup final – the south coast club's only ever domestic final appearance – when Ron Atkinson's men prevailed 4-0 at Wembley.
While Mourinho is set to be without at least three players in the form of Phil Jones, Michael Carrick and Eric Bailly due to injury, Hughton has a near-fully fit squad to choose from.
Steve Sidwell is the only absentee, with a long-term back injury that has prevented him playing a single minute this season. The ex-Reading, Chelsea and Fulham midfielder underwent surgery in September on a prolapsed disc in his back and has been unable to add to his 200 Premier League appearances this term.