Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has confirmed he expects Joao Pedro to be fit for Saturday’s visit of Manchester City.

In what is a major boost to the Seagulls, last season’s top scorer has recovered from an ankle problem he suffered against Nottingham Forest in September, which has caused him to miss the last six Premier League games.

Hurzeler also said summer signing Matt O’Riley is also in contention, having been absent since an injury on his club debut against Crawley Town in the Carabao Cup on August 27.

“Some of them for sure will return. I think especially Joao Pedro and Matt O’Riley they have a big chance” he said on Thursday ahead of the clash at the Amex stadium.

Lewis Dunk, Yankuba Mineth and Yasin Ayari are all doubts for the game, while Solly March remains out.

“Minteh and Lewis Dunk we have to see the next days. For Solly it’s too early. He (Ayari) will train today so I think he might be an option for the weekend.”

Brighton take on City, looking to inflict a fourth consecutive defeat on them for the first time in the Pep Guardiola era, and, while Hurzeler is confident, he is also aware the champions are still a formidable opponent.

“We always see an opportunity, we always see a chance, of course we have a lot of respect for them because City, for me, are still the best team in the world, the best manager in the world,” he added.

The Seagulls could move into the top four for at least 24 hours with just their third-ever top flight win against City.