POTTER READY FOR PALACE BATTLE TO GO TOP

BRIGHTON and their much-admired manager Graham Potter could shake up the Premier League tonight by going top of the table if they win at bitter rivals Crystal Palace.

Yet Palace coach Patrick Vieira is determined to stop them and will ask his players to nullify a striker he believes is one of the top flight’s most dangerous.

Neal Maupay has scored three times in five appearances already having hardly been prolific in his first two Premier League seasons, scoring 10 and then eight goals.

Eagles manager Vieira claims the way Maupay has improved should serve as a lesson to others, including his £14million capture Odsonne Edouard.

‘It is not just Edouard (that Maupay can be an example to),’ Vieira said. ‘Maupay’s experience in the last couple of years shows his determination as well.

‘He is a tough kid, working hard. He believed in himself and today he is getting all the rewards from hard work. It’s been challenging but he never gave up. Today he is being recognised as one of the most dangerous Premier League forwards.’

Edouard, signed from Celtic, has not started too badly himself with two goals off the bench on his debut against Tottenham, but it is early days.

Potter, meanwhile, believes the warriorlike qualities of club great Shane Duffy are perfectly suited to the hostile environment of a visit to Palace. Centre back Duffy appeared surplus to requirements at the Amex Stadium last season after being allowed to move on loan to Celtic.

But the Republic of Ireland international is back in favour and has been ever-present throughout Brighton’s impressive start to the campaign. The 29-year-old, who helped the Seagulls win promotion in 2017 and then establish themselves in the top flight, is set to continue his resurgence at Selhurst Park, with head coach Potter seeking a first win over Palace at the fifth time of asking.

‘He is a legend — everyone loves him at the club,’ said Potter. ‘He’s a fantastic guy, a great character. Everyone is delighted that he’s back, that he’s playing, enjoying his football.

‘As a human being, he’s someone you want in your corner, it doesn’t matter where you are. He supports the team, he supports the boys on the pitch. He’s a fighter, he’s a warrior. You want those guys with you in hostile environments and Selhurst Park on a Monday night is one of those things.’