Graham Potter relishing special Brighton return with Chelsea but accepts chance of mixed reception

Graham Potter is expecting a tough afternoon when he takes his Chelsea side to face Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday as he returns to the Amex Stadium for the first time since leaving the club last month.

The 47-year-old started the season as Seagulls boss, but days after the summer transfer window closed he was approached by Chelsea to replace Thomas Tuchel.

Potter quickly agreed and his exit from the south coast up to the capital was swift and he signed a five-year deal at Stamford Bridge to lead the new era forward under the new ownership group.

Potter has not lost in any of his opening nine games, while Brighton have yet to win under new boss Roberto De Zerbi, drawing two and losing three of their last five matches.

The new Chelsea head coach is looking forward to returning to his old club to see some familiar faces after a successful spell with Brighton.

"Of course," responded Potter on whether it will be special returning to the Amex Stadium.

“A place where I spent three happy years there. Looking forward to going back.”

He added: "Timing wasn't great for anybody, but sometimes that happens. Then it's a decision, and a decision to work here was too hard to turn down.

"What the crowd expectations... I don't have any. Most I've spoken to from Brighton have been supportive and thankful but I'm not naive, I know it isn't universal.”

While Potter hasn't been beaten and De Zerbi searching for his first win, pressure is on both sides for different reasons: Chelsea to continue their run, while Brighton will be eager to pick up three points.

"We all want to win the game," said Potter on who has the pressure on them to win on Saturday.

"We play to win. The difference is luck. We've won our games, picked up points with some luck. Brighton haven't had much luck.

"Both want to win, it's going to be a good game."

Chelsea will have a nearly fully for squad to face Brighton. Wesley Fofana, N'Golo Kante, Reece James and Kalidou Koulibaly all remain out, but Mateo Kovacic is set to be available after calf tightness in midweek against RB Salzburg.

Potter said: "Pretty much the same as we were against Salzburg.

"Mateo had a problem with his calf but it was just more fatigue.

"Koulibaly, game comes too soon, outside chance for Wednesday but not for tomorrow.”