Potter left the Seagulls in September to take over from Thomas Tuchel at Stamford Bridge, with the Englishman insisting the offer of leading the Blues was ‘too good to turn down’.

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Our head coach accepts that moving so soon into the new campaign wasn’t ideal timing but with the opportunity presented to him, it was something he had to take with both hands and is now focused on preparing his side for the trip to the Amex Stadium, a place that holds happy memories for him.

‘Of course, it will be special for me to go back to Brighton,’ said Potter at his pre-match press conference. ‘I spent three happy years there and I’m looking forward to going back.

‘Sometimes life throws you opportunities and you have to take them or not. The chance to become head coach at Chelsea was a fantastic opportunity for me and my staff.

‘The timing wasn't great for anybody and sometimes that happens but the decision to work here was too good to turn down.

‘I don't have expectations of the what the crowd will be like towards me, as most people I've spoken to from Brighton have been supportive and thankful. Nonetheless, I'm not naive and I know that's not always universal.’

Potter heads into the game looking to make it 10 matches unbeaten as Chelsea head coach, which would make him the first English manager of the Blues to achieve that milestone.

While delighted with the start he’s made at Stamford Bridge, Potter was quick to point out that he doesn’t pay too much attention to such stats and his primary concern is preparing his side for Saturday’s clash.

‘I wasn’t aware of that and it’s not something I think about too much,’ added Graham.

‘My main focus is to prepare the team to try and get a good result against Brighton, which will be tough enough.’

Potter also offered his support to Raheem Sterling, who is without a Premier League goal since August despite netting three goals in his first five for the club.

‘No you shouldn’t be concerned,’ Potter replied when pressed on Sterling’s form heading into the World Cup.

‘His quality speaks for itself. Sometimes the team doesn’t function as well and the team suffers. It is better to think about how we can attack better and create more chances,’ he added.