Premier League: Manchester City vs Brighton from the Etihad Stadium - Saturday, 3pm

Head coach Fabian Hurzeler acknowledged the “incredible connection” with the Brighton fans amid their hectic schedule.

Brighton return to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday after opting to remain in the north-west between two games against Manchester City.

The Seagulls were beaten on penalties by Enzo Maresca’s side in a compelling Carabao Cup quarter-final on Wednesday, which finished 2-2 after 90 minutes.

Manager Hurzeler felt it was best for his side to avoid the journey back to the south coast prior to the teams renewing their rivalry in the Premier League at the weekend, staying in the area for three days instead.

Albion are currently in a run of five consecutive away fixtures. They have already faced Jablonec in the Czech Republic and Liverpool at Anfield prior to yesterday shootout defeat. They are at the Etihad again this Saturday and on Thursday they jet to Madrid to face Getafe in the Conference.

It’s an expensive time to be a travelling Seagull fan.

“Yeah, great supporters,” said Hurzeler. “Also yesterday, how many supported us and I also know that every supporter who can't make it will support us from home.

“It's just an incredible connection we are building on and hopefully we can give them this win, what they deserve.

“Because I think they spent so much time, so much money, to support the players, to support us, to support the club, and in the end they are our 12th man.

“In the end they will be crucial for our success. Hopefully they can spend also a few days here [Manchester], if they don't have to work and spend some time in Manchester and then we're all looking forward to Saturday.”

High energy Brighton

Hurzeler expects Brighton to return to the Etihad Stadium full of energy on Saturday.

Hurzeler is likely to restore a full-strength side having made seven changes in midweek, with regulars such as Bart Verbruggen, Luka Vuskovic, Lewis Dunk and Maxim De Cuyper all starting on the bench.

Yankuba Minteh will also hope for more minutes after making his first appearance of the season following a knee injury as a late substitute.

He said: “Having two away games and not sleeping in your own bed, you can’t see it as an advantage but we will try to make the best of it. We will not try to find any excuses.

“We have good facilities and a lot of staff members who can take care of the recovery from the players and that is the main focus. We’ll come back with full energy, full enthusiasm and we go on Saturday.”