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Back to the real world - and this test might be tougher than Old Trafford

Brighton boss Graham Potter will have his game face on again for a tough test by Newcastle
Brighton boss Graham Potter will have his game face on again for a tough test by Newcastle

Albion will know the reality of the test facing them on opening day at the Amex.

Graham Potter’s side kick off their home campaign with a visit from revitalised Newcastle United today (3pm).

Potter appeared to indicate that in some respects the game represents a step up in test from last Sunday’s 2-1 win over Manchester United.

READ MORE: PASCAL GROSS EXCITED ABOUT PLAYING AT THE AMEX

But the head coach is confident players and fans alike will not have got too carried away by the historic success at Old Trafford.

Newcastle, like the Seagulls, ended last season on a good run and made a winning start this time around.

Potter said: “Most of the people live in the real world, not under a rock somewhere, so they know how good Newcastle are, they know the job that Eddie has done.

“They know the physicality that they provide. We have played them before “Newcastle as a team, I would say, are as equipped as anybody to challenge the top six in the league, because of the individuals they have, the organisation Eddie has brought and the momentum the club’s got.

“If you talk about momentum and positive thinking, there’s a huge difference between Newcastle and Manchester United at the moment, I would say. We have to deal with that as well.”

Potter could stick with the XI which kicked off at Old Trafford.

But substitutions will also be key, especially with temperatures likely to nudge 30degC even in breezy Falmer.

Potter will expect a good tactical battle against Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.

The Albion boss said: “We have to adapt to whatever the opponent is trying to do and I think we have got better at different things but obviously the proof is in the pudding.

"I think we have got better but the results will determine how much better.”