When Manchester United travel to the AMEX this evening they do so knowing Brighton will be eyeing revenge.
Erik ten Hag's side came out victorious when the pair met for an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley less than two weeks ago, a 6-7 penalty-shootout win sending the Reds through after 120 minutes did nothing to separate them. Victor Lindelof's penalty settled it but Solly March's was the defining spot-kick, the Seagulls man sending his effort high and wide after Wout Weghorst's now infamous 'kiss of death'.
Roberto De Zerbi admitted after the game that there was nothing wrong with Weghorst's mind games, but Brighton certainly haven't forgotten about that day in London and the narrative surrounding the build-up to this evening has been one of revenge.
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Former Reds striker Danny Welbeck vowed earlier this week to 'put things right' while midfield teammate Billy Gilmour used the term 'payback'. On Monday, Roberto De Zerbi admitted he 'will not sleep' in the build-up to potentially getting one over on United.
Ten Hag need only look as far back as April and a trip to St James' Park for an idea of the kind of battle they face at Brighton. The Reds headed northeast just over a month after beating Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final.
That afternoon saw United's cup final experience shine through as they rode an early Magpies flurry before taking control with goals from Casemiro and Marcus Rashford. From half-time, Eddie Howe's side barely threatened and in the end it was as straightforward as cup finals go.
Fast forward to April 2 and roles reversed as Joe Willock and Callum Wilson downed United. And it could have been plenty more, with Ten Hag's side played off the park completely. Their away form against top sides has been abysmal this season - the highest-placed team they have beaten on the road is Fulham in 10th - and that task is made no easier by the extra motivation of their opponents.
"It's a normal reaction," Ten Hag admitted of Brighton's desire for revenge on Wednesday. "I think everyone involved in top sport, if you get beaten you want to have revenge and that is normal. They have a huge motivation to beat us but we have to match that and do more, show more hunger than them to win this game and willingness is the word for tomorrow."
United have plenty of reason themselves to give everything at the AMEX, knowing they can leapfrog Newcastle into third and cement their place in the top-four with just five games left. But Ten Hag knows this evening's hosts, fuelled by revenge, will have that little bit extra in their tank.
He must ensure it is not a repeat of the dismal performance at St James' Park.
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