Graham Potter returns to Brighton as top-four battle hots up

Graham Potter, who Brighton lured from Swansea City in 2019, took over at Stamford Bridge after Thomas Tuchel's sacking. Nine games into the job, Graham Potter (47) remains unbeaten as Chelsea manager.

On Saturday, he aims to extend that streak to double figures when he returns to his former club Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League.

Still, successive draws in their last two Premier League fixtures - away to Brentford and at home to Manchester United, games in which they struggled to create chances, leave them fifth in the table.

Victory in Salzburg on Tuesday meant Chelsea reached the last 16 of the Champions League, but Potter will be anxious to get back to winning ways in the league with the race for top-four places hotting up.

Chelsea's draw at home to United allowed Newcastle United to move into the top four on goal difference and Eddie Howe's side are now being taken seriously as contenders for the Champions League spots.

Newcastle have lost once all season and last week's 2-1 victory at Tottenham Hotspur was a big statement.

They host Aston Villa on Saturday when Villa's new manager Unai Emery will likely be in the stands while he awaits clearance to start work.

Former Villarreal manager Emery was Newcastle's initial target when they sacked Steve Bruce a year ago but the appointment of Howe has proved to be a masterstroke.

Villa will have Aaron Danks in charge for the last time after he masterminded a 4-0 win over Brentford a few days after Steven Gerrard was sacked.