'I am a big fan' - Man City boss Guardiola reserves high praise for key Brighton man

The Seagulls face a tough trip to the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday evening, and will be coming up against a City side who have won their last three Premier League matches.

For their part, Albion are winless in eight in the top flight, and had to rely on a penalty shootout to squeeze past League Two Newport County in the FA Cup on Sunday.

But despite their recent downturn in results, Guardiola has reserved high praise for Brighton, and in particular, manager Potter.

Speaking in a press conference on Tuesday, he said: “They are a joy to watch and analyse.

“When you see them, you are concerned of the quality. I said to the players today that we will have to be at a high standard to compete against them.

"They have better stats in all departments, except maybe the final third, but what they create and how few they concede – I am a big fan of Graham Potter.

"Everyone plays in their position and the ball comes, the courage to play everywhere.

"I like a lot what they play and it will be a good test tomorrow after a lot of games for everyone. That is my only concern.”

Brighton have lost all six of their Premier League meetings with Man City since being promoted to the top flight in 2017, as well as losing an FA Cup semi-final against the north west giants in 2019.