GARY O’Neil believes Graham Potter’s departure from Brighton would not give Cherries any further advantage, as the south coast sides prepare to face off on Saturday.

Potter masterminded the Seagulls to fourth in the top-flight, with four wins from six games this season.

But he has now joined Chelsea along with five of his backroom staff, after Thomas Tuchel’s sacking earlier this week.

That means both Cherries and Brighton are set to be without a manager for the clash at Vitality Stadium. Under-21 boss Andrew Crofts is set to take charge against Cherries.

Quizzed on preparations for the Seagulls, interim Cherries head coach O’Neil said: “Personally, when I watch games and think about how I am going to prepare our team for it, I look at every aspect.

“I try to spot everything I can, in possession, out of possession, where they are strong, not so strong. I don’t know what effect Graham Potter leaving will have on the group.

“I’d expect them to be extremely professional around it, arrive here and try to put on a good display.

“I don’t think him leaving gives us any advantage. I think it’s the same game that it would have been.”

He added: “We focus purely on the team.

“Brighton are a fantastic team, had a great start to the season, play good football and have a real, clear identity. I don’t see that changing for Saturday.

“I think they will look very similar to how I have seen them looking to every other game I have watched them in.

“We will be well-prepared for what they bring. I feel like the boys are in a good place and I am looking forward to seeing where we can get the group to again.”

Brighton secured a 5-2 victory over Leicester City last time out.

“They are a good side, they want to control the game with the ball, they have threats all over the pitch,” said O’Neil.

“They have scored a lot of goals already of course this season. I have watched all their games and we will be ready, I’m sure.”