Brighton manager Chris Hughton accepts Manchester City will keep hold of the ball for the majority of their match on Saturday but calls for his team to be resilient.

The Seagulls travel to the Etihad Stadium to take on the champions this weekend and can take inspiration from a dogged performance at Anfield earlier this campaign.

That resulted in a 1-0 defeat to Liverpool but Brighton’s defence frustrated Jurgen Klopp’s side for long spells of that game. They demonstrated their spirit further by coming back from two goals down to draw away to Southampton earlier this month and Hughton insists his team can take heart from those recent performances. He told a press conference:

“You have to look at the good examples we have had, particularly away from home and try and get as close to that as you can. “In the form that they’re in, the two toughest games are Liverpool and City away.

But you always have to look at the pluses in those type of games. “Nobody expects us to get anything, which helps take the pressure off. “But it’s a game we want to stay in and do as well as we can. That’s the great challenge the players have.”

Manchester City are 1.08 to win on Saturday with Brighton 29.00 and the draw 10.00.

The Seagulls will be without midfielders Dale Stephens and Pascal Gross due to injury. Brighton are 13th in the Premier League table with one win from their six games so far.

City will go top with the win though current leaders Liverpool would regain top spot if they beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the late game on Saturday. The Seagulls are 4.20 to be relegated at the end of the season.