Brighton v Valencia: A great opportunity for players to impress for the opening at Watford

Brighton manager Graham Potter insists tonight's match against Valencia is a great opportunity for the players to impress ahead of next Saturday's Premier League opening match at Watford.

Brighton have enjoyed the most successful pre-season, having recorded victories against FC Liefering and Crawley Town.

They dropped 2-1 to Fulham before their enthusiasm increased a 4-0 win at Birmingham last Saturday.

Tonight's match against the La Liga team is expected to be a significant improvement in quality as Potter seeks to improve his team ahead of Albion's third season in the Premier League.

Valencia is Potter's first match at Amex after his appointment in May. It is also a tribute to honor former captain Bruno (above), who was recently appointed as a senior player development coach. The club will donate 25 percent of the net gate receipts to local charities, to be chosen by Bruno. "Away support in the preseason is very good," Potter said, speaking to the Albion website after their victory in Birmingham. The fans have been fantastic with me and the team.

"But it would be nice to go back home and play at Amex in a very good match.

"Obviously it was a big step in terms of opposition but that was what we needed. It would be a pleasant night for Bruno too. We needed a good week of training and then we could look forward to that match.

"There are still opportunities for players to impress in that match, of course. We have many training days to go and we will get people who don't play today a few minutes.


"They will have time in scenario 11 v 11 this week to be displayed as well. We can only choose 11 for these games and the rest, that doesn't mean the door is closed, not at all.

"This is the last game before the start of the season and we want to make sure we use it to be as competitive as we can at Watford."

Potter also felt the full pre-season had allowed him to convey his idea to the players. "We have a lot of work to do, but I am happy with the way people apply themselves.

"Nothing will be perfect, there will be some bumps along the way but while the application is like that, it is fantastic for me as a coach to work with the players.

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