The Seagulls will be looking forward to their first season in the Football Transfer Tavern since a four-year spell in the top-flight some three decades ago, and they kick it off with a tall order at home to Manchester City.

Whilst Pep Guardiola’s men have been heavy spenders in the market, Chris Hughton has quietly gone about his business and fans will eagerly be anticipating how their new look team will cope with the Premier League.

The Brighton fans by the bar are largely unfamiliar with the majority of their club’s acquisitions this summer, with attacker Izzy Brown, joining on loan from Chelsea, being the only addition who competed in English football last term, helping gain Huddersfield promotion.

It will be set to be an ecstatic atmosphere at the Amex Stadium on the opening weekend as supporters welcome their beloved side to the Premier League and they couldn’t have a bigger task to handle.

Hughton’s men are facing a challenge, but here are TWO reasons why Brighton & Hove Albion can cause a shock and overcome title-chasing Manchester City on Saturday….

The Seagulls’ hunger and passion

Brighton’s promotion to the top-flight fulfilled a number of players’ boyhood dreams to ply their trade in the most competitive league on the globe and they finally have a chance to make a mark when Manchester City visit the Sussex coast.

The Tavern’s barman thinks the pulsating atmosphere around the ground as the first-team walk onto the pitch will be enough for the Seagulls to cause a shock against the visitors.

Not only that but when any player earns such a magnificent feat with any club they suddenly feel attached to that side, which is exactly what the footballers a Brighton & Hove Albion will have when they play Pep Guardiola’s men.

Manchester City’s imperfect back line

Unquestionably, Pep Guardiola had a weak defence at his disposal but has massively overhauled it this summer in his attempt to revamp the squad and aim his sights on as much silverware as possible.

However, as pointed out by our landlord, the full-backs were largely out of position on numerous occasions during their pre-season friendlies and the centre-back pairing is not what it once was.

This is why Chris Hughton must believe his Brighton team can stun the visitors and take all three points against one of the clubs highly-tipped for scooping up the title this season.

Brighton fans, would you agree that these two reasons may lead to a shock at the weekend against Manchester City? What are your expectations ahead of the season? Tell us your opinions in the comment section below!