Eddie Howe up there with the best homegrown managers

Eddie Howe. Picture by PW Sporting Photography

Howe is in his second spell as boss of the Cherries and has guided them from League One to the top flight.

This is their fourth campaign in the Premier League and their previous finishes have been 16th, ninth and 12th.

Hughton views Howe as one of the best managers around and said: "There is no doubt the biggest clubs, particularly with finishing in the top four and playing in the Champions League year after year, have tended to look at a different type of manager.

"If I'm speaking about homegrown managers, I think Eddie is right up there with the very, very best.

"What you have to take into account is where the club have come from, the budget he has, and the size of the ground when you're talking about a particular job somebody has done.

"For some of the best managers around and the jobs they have done with their respective teams, I would see Eddie very much in that bracket."

Bournemouth go into tomorrow's game on the back of six defeats in their last seven Premier League games but Hughton expects a tough test at the Vitality Stadium.

The Cherries are two points better off and two points higher than Albion and Hughton said: "I saw their game last night at Chelsea where they made some changes and they certainly didn't look they were struggling then.

"I thought they were excellent. It looked like the game was going to go to penalties, so whichever players come in they know the roles very well.

"He's got them playing in the way he wants to, a very high tempo, a lot of pace in the team.

"If you've got some injuries in a developing team, then I think it's a little bit different. But they have a way of playing and it always smacks me in the face that they are a team where everybody knows their roles and jobs.

"We expect a very difficult game, particularly at Bournemouth. They've got a lot of pace and quality in their team."

HAVE YOU READ?

Bournemouth v Brighton & Hove Albion: The key points from Chris Hughton's pre-match press conference

Brighton & Hove Albion wingers ruled out of Bournemouth match Brighton & Hove Albion quiz: The 2018/19 Premier League season so far

Fantasy Football tips: Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle players among those to sign for Gameweek 18