Bournemouth 'one of the best' in the Premier League - Hurzeler

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler believes Bournemouth are among the top sides in the Premier League, as Albion gear up to for their trip to face the Cherries on Saturday (15:00 GMT).

Speaking to BBC Radio Sussex, Hurzeler said: "It is a really big challenge because, for me, Bournemouth are one of the biggest teams at the moment. They have quality, a good shape and, at the moment, are one of the best teams in the league.

"It is an even harder challenge [after we beat Manchester City]. We have to fight for the small things and the personal duels, and then we will get what we deserve.

"They have the ability to suffer and also the ability to hit teams on the counter. They have Evanilson, they have Semenyo, they have Kluivert so there is individual quality. They have great players at the back and in midfield. [They are a] very strong team and a very compact team so there was no surprise they beat these two big clubs [Arsenal and Manchester City]."

Some 96 miles separate Brighton and Bournemouth on the south coast, with some suggesting Saturday's match could be considered a local derby.

"I love derbies," said Hurzeler. "I didn't really know it was a derby, so that's new to me. I am looking forward to it if it is a derby.

"I am looking forward to it if it is not too!"