MICHAEL Appleton believes Oxford United’s one-sided friendly defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion last month could work in their favour tonight.

The head coach questioned his side’s desire as they crumbled to a 4-0 loss at the Kassam Stadium.

United’s players watched the lowlights yesterday ahead of the Seagulls’ visit in the EFL Cup second round.

While the hosts will start as underdogs to progress, Appleton is optimistic there will be no repeat of the lacklustre display.

And the U’s boss felt the way the friendly turned out, he will have learnt far more than opposite number Chris Hughton.

“It could work in our favour,” Appleton said.

“I’m sure Chris is experienced enough to know it’s going to be a different game.

“Even his players are very experienced and have done ever so well over an 18-month period since he’s been there.

“We just know our performance levels to stay with them have to be much better.”

He added: “We’ll re-watch it and make sure we don’t make the same mistakes.

“They were simple things that were costing us at that stage in pre-season.

“We’ll certainly touch on it and make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

Although there was nothing riding on the game in July, the U’s boss is also counting on professional pride ensuring his players have a point to prove.

He said: “I hope so.

“They do remember it (the 4-0 defeat) and there will be players who will want to put things right.”

Brighton agonisingly missed out on automatic promotion to the Premier League on goal difference in May.

But they appear to have quickly put the play-off semi-final defeat to Sheffield Wednesday behind them.

An unbeaten start puts them second in the Sky Bet Championship and Appleton has tipped them to be a top-flight side in 12 months’ time.

He said: “I believe they will be in the Premier League next year.

“I don’t want to put the mockers on Chris in any way, but I think they’re a top side with a top manager who I have a lot of time and respect for.

“They play good football and have different players in terms of getting the right mix you need to be a good side.

“We’re going to have to be very organised and patient.

“We’ll have to respect the opposition might have the ball a little bit more than we will and we’re going to have to make sure we’re really positive when we win possession.”