FIVE-POINT PLAN

1 OFFLOAD THE MISFITS

Potter had no qualms about sending expensive forwards out on loan in his first season: fan- favourite Anthony Knockaert was sent to Fulham ( and has now joined them permanently), then Florin Andone and Jurgen Locadia were also sent away. Only Potter knows which players belong in his dressing room, so his ruthlessness will need to continue if the former Ostersund chief is to make room in a relatively large squad for more necessary reinforcements.

2 SETTLE ON A DEFENCE

Brighton love a centre- half. Last year there were fine first full seasons for Dan Burn – often at left- back – and Adam Webster, yet they also have two excellent ball- playing centre- backs returning from Championship loans: Matt Clarke earned positive reviews at Derby, while White at Leeds was the division’s star defender. Plus, new man Joel Veltman can play centrally or on the right. Even if and when Shane Duffy leaves, there’s a plethora of options to play alongside Lewis Dunk, and Potter must avoid the temptation to chop and change.

3 LOOK TO THE FUTURE

Glenn Murray was the oldest Premier League scorer last season, but he rarely played. Instead, Potter promotes from the academy, just as he did with Connolly and the skilful Steven Alzate, a Camden- born Colombia international. Expect another clutch of teenagers from an U23 side that have finished third in Premier League 2 twice running.

4 KEEP VAR ONSIDE

Brighton wouldn’t say no to a second year atop Stockley Park’s unofficial league table. They enjoyed a net gain of eight goals awarded by VAR decisions, including the Premier League’s first ever video- assisted penalty.

5 PRAY THE KIT ISN’T CURSED

Albion’s 2020- 21 kit is a nod to the only previous time they played four consecutive top- flight seasons: their celebrated FA Cup final season of 1982- 83. The look is smart and retro but the omens aren’t exactly promising: Brighton finished bottom in ’ 83 and didn’t return to the top tier until 2017.