Manchester United host Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League on Tuesday after labouring to successive draws in the division.
Albion have never won at Old Trafford - drawing twice, and losing 11 - but will take comfort in a commendable record on the road that has seen just one league defeat this season.
United currently remain firmly in contention for a Champions League spot, sitting one point off fourth placed West Ham United, and with a game in hand.
But recent form and growing angst contributes to a necessity to improve results and steer clear of the circling clubs below them.
Ninth placed Brighton can indeed reduce the gap to United to just four points with a maiden away victory, themselves with a game in hand on their opponents.
Team news
Manchester United have no injury concerns ahead of the vital clash, with the impressive Jadon Sancho likely to retain his position on the offensive right flank.
Eric Bailly is sidelined after sustaining an injury on AFCON duty with Ivory Coast, whilst Nemanja Matic's inclusion remains doubtful due to a shin issue.
Fred could be back in contention after recovering from covid-19.
Mason Greenwood remains unavailable following an ongoing legal matter.
For Brighton, Graham Potter could name an unchanged XI after a convincing away victory over struggling Watford.
Enock Mwepu and Jeremy Sarmiento remain unavailable with respective injuries.
Predicted line-ups
Manchester United: De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Telles; Mctominay, Pogba; Sancho, Fernandes, Rashford; Ronaldo
Brighton: Sanchez; Veltman, Dunk, Webster; Lamptey, Lallana, Bissouma, Moder, Cucurella; Maupay, Trossard
Ones to watch
Jadon Sancho didn't hit the ground running after his £73 million move from Borussia Dortmund, initially going fourteen matches without a goal.
Since then, Sancho has netted four times and become an increasingly valuable part of United's attack, scoring last time out against Southampton and matching the strike with a good performance.
Brighton's ability to effectively control possession has been lauded all season, and Adam Lallana's presence across the midfield has been vital.
The 33-year-old said he was 'as fit as I've ever been' following his move to the South Coast, and once again served as a central focal point as the Seagulls outclassed and outworked Watford, leaving Vicarage Road 2-0 victors.
Next time out
Both teams return to Premier League action at the weekend, with Brighton hosting bottom club Burnley on Saturday and United travelling to fierce rivals Leeds United the following day.