Sussex

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Manchester City at Etihad Stadium (kick-off 15:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Chema Andres and Ferdi Kadioglu are expected to return to the matchday squad after missing the Carabao Cup game with respective hip injuries.

• Hurzeler confirmed a decision was made to rest Charalampos Kostoulas in the cup so he will be available on Saturday.

• Pascal Struijk remains sidelined but is training with the under-21s so should return to the senior squad next week.

• Hurzeler said "success is the only revenge" for the EFL Cup defeat at Manchester City and his players can "take confidence" from the way they performed over 90 minutes.

• He said "there will be different players on the pitch" for both teams but their "approach won't change." Hurzeler added: "We hope we finish this game with a better feeling than yesterday."

• On staying in Manchester and them being away from their families: "We try to be a family for the players and stick together in these moments. It's a big pro that we can connect with them and they're not alone in apartments. Not every player has family around so we can really build on connection with each other. Make the best out of it."

• He said the cup performance has given him options for his starting XI, but it will come down to who is "mentally and physically refreshed" to deal with the "intensity and demands" of Enzo Maresca's side.

• In response to whether a top four finish is the aim given their start to the season: "We should be a club that has high expectations. We have long-term goals, but speaking about them doesn't help us achieve them. What does, is doing the work. That's the only thing we can control."

• He said they "have to be fearless" week-in week-out to achieve the best results and this is what he instils in them in training.

Hit play above to hear more from Hurzeler or listen on BBC Sounds here

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your thoughts after Wednesday's EFL Cup game between Manchester City and Brighton.

Here are some of your comments:

Man City fans

Glynn: Enzo Maresca got out of jail with a poor team selection. They roughed us up so it was a moral victory. We now know what to expect on Saturday!

Harry: About what I expected from the B team. We were probably second best for the majority of the match against a fantastic Brighton side. I think the referee needed to be harsher. Rulli was fantastic and our subs made the difference. Getting a win under any circumstances was unexpected and very welcome. Credit to Brighton, showing us once again that there's a million better ways to spend £125m than Enzo Fernandez.

Brighton fans

David: So proud of Brighton to have been in the lead on two occasions and never gave up against probably the strongest current Premier League team so far this season. A horrible way to go out. Same again at the weekend, without penalties, please.

James: Albion needed to be more clinical. They had chance after chance to put the game to bed in the first half of the second half but weren't able to convert. Having said that, it was still an excellent performance and the quality of the football the boys are playing at the moment is fantastic.

Nick: Good performance. Better team on the night, should have put away one of our chances at 2-1 to kill it off. We didn't and paid the price. Had a slightly phoney feel to it, with the "main event" being on Saturday. Hopefully Hurzeler will use the disappointment to spark up a first league victory for the Albion at the Etihad.

Olly: Another good performance that should have ensured a win but for missed opportunities to finish the game off again. Unfortunately, our penalty shootout record is poor so another chance of a trophy is gone.

Forward Georginio Rutter says he needs to "step up" to fight for a place in Brighton's starting line-up.

The Seagulls exited the Carabao Cup on Wednesday after a 2-2 draw against Manchester City turned in to a penalty shootout defeat. But Rutter earned his first goal and assist in the competition - taking his total goal contributions to seven for the season.

"For a striker it's good to score but it's a bit annoying when we don't win. Of course I take it but it's better when you win," Rutter told BBC Radio Sussex.

"I tried to give my best, I know there's competition in the team. Babis [Charalampos Kostoulas] is doing very well, so I need to step up and try to make this."

On the game, he added: "We missed some chances, myself as well. Of course I scored and assisted but I think I could do better from some action. But it's football.

"It was a good opportunity for us but now we have to stay focused because we have a lot of games to come in other competitions as well.

"The last two games were very frustrating and we have to be consistent and win some games. I think we have the quality to win a game like this so, we have to be ready and come back for a bit of revenge."

Hear the full interview above or listen on BBC Sounds here

Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler speaking to BBC Radio Sussex following the penalty shooutout defeat at Manchester City in the Carabao Cup: "I'm disappointed as the game was there for us [to win], but we conceded a few goals which were very unlucky.

"Overall, there were plenty of positives to take away from the performance.

"My players showed togetherness and always tried to keep going. We had plenty of chances that we couldn't score. Sometimes you also need a bit of luck and we didn't have that.

"The good thing is that we can come back in three days and get revenge so that we can stand here with a better feeling after the game."

To hear more from Hurzeler press play below or listen here on BBC Sounds

Shamoon Hafez
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

The only previous League Cup meeting came between Manchester City and Brighton came on 24 September 2008, 23 days after City's takeover by the Abu Dhabi Football Group.

On that night, Brighton – then a League One outfit – shocked a top-flight City side containing the likes of Kasper Schmeichel, Vincent Kompany and Daniel Sturridge on penalties to reach the next round.

It looked like being a repeat success on this occasion but Geronimo Rulli spoiled Brighton's latest trip to the north – the Seagulls had dumped out Manchester United across the city in the previous round.

In the first half, Diego Gomez and Georginio Rutter had shots from range in quick succession, both of which went straight into the grasp of Rulli, before Malick Yalcouye struck from close range.

Before that, Rayan Cherki had been the liveliest player, going on a weaving run before scuffing a shot straight at Steele, while a free-kick from the edge of the box failed to clear the wall.

And the Frenchman proved to be protagonist as the match wore by helping his side through.

It was his free-kick which Vitor Reis converted and then the former Lyon man stepped up to score City's fifth penalty in the shootout - allowing Rulli's superb stop from Dunk to be the match-winning moment.

City will now be confident of retaining their trophy after seeing last season's beaten finalists Arsenal stunned by Fleetwood Town on Tuesday.

Brighton will not have to wait long to try and gain revenge for this result, heading back to Etihad Stadium to face City in the Premier League on Saturday (kick-off 15:00 GMT).

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Manchester City's performance

What did you make of Brighton's display?

Reaction and analysis to follow - and come back on Thursday for a selection of your replies.

There are five Carabao Cup fourth round games on Wednesday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Manchester City v Brighton (19:30)

• Bournemouth v Aston Villa

• Fulham v Crystal Palace

• Sunderland v Brentford

• Liverpool v Chelsea (20:00)

Kick-off times 19:45 GMT unless stated.

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Crawley Town have re-signed defender Josh Flint on a contract to the end of the season.

The 26-year-old left in the summer when his previous contract expired as he recovered from surgery on an injury.

Having completed his rehabilitation, Flint has been training with the club for more than a month and has now signed a new deal.

He has made 57 appearances for the Reds, scoring twice.

Brighton have no concerns about losing 23-year-old Paraguay midfielder Diego Gomez, despite interest from AC Milan and Atletico Madrid. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

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