Graham Potter accepts clubs like Brighton will always have Premier League survival as their priority, but believes they should also aim for a decent FA Cup run to help lift their campaign.
The Seagulls head to Sky Bet League Two promotion-chasers Newport on Sunday looking for a respite from the battle to stay up.
Potter saw his side fight back from 3-1 down to draw with Wolves last weekend, and they now sit three points above the drop zone – albeit having played two matches more than 18th-placed Fulham.
Trips to Manchester City and Leeds follow next week, before a crucial showdown against the Cottagers at the Amex Stadium on January 26.
Given the challenges ahead of keeping themselves in the top flight, also juggling a cup run would perhaps fall lower down Potter’s ‘to-do list’ for 2021.
The Brighton manager, though, views it as an opportunity to boost confidence as the fight for survival hots up.
“The priority would be the Premier League, I think that is fair and most people would understand that,” Potter said.
“But at the same time, you can still be competitive and try to go through in the FA Cup.
“It is a special competition and can provide some positivity to your campaign, and also just allow you to develop as a team and as a club.
“As we approached the Carabao Cup, we tried to win (the ties), to go through and progress.”
Sunday’s televised FA Cup third-round clash at Rodney Parade, though, presents anything but an easy ride for the Premier League outfit.
A hot-air dome is being used to help protect the pitch with rugby union club Dragons set for their Guinness PRO14 match against rivals Ospreys late on Saturday afternoon.
Michael Flynn’s Exiles have a great cup pedigree in recent seasons – and knocked Leicester out in the 2019 third round.
Potter said: “We can’t influence the draw and we have to play whoever, wherever we are drawn.
“Newport are a team that have got a history of performing against teams in higher divisions and knocking them out.
“As a team they have developed so they are pushing for promotion. Credit to Michael (Flynn), he has done fantastically well.
“We have a lot of respect for him and the cup competition.
“We will go with the mentality that we want to win the game, we will respect our opponent and to do our best.”
Potter does not feel Brighton’s task is made any easier by the fixture being played behind closed doors.
“If you look at their results, they have got them without supporters there, so they have got a good identity, a good idea of how they want to play,” the former Swansea boss said.
“They believe in each other and will be fighting to beat us, so we have to bring our own game.”
Percy Tau could be handed a debut on Sunday, with the South African striker finally being cleared for a work permit following an extended loan spell in Belgium after a change of Government rules in the wake of Brexit.
Potter maintains whatever side he sends out on Sunday night will be ready for the job in hand.
“We always speak about the group and the need for everybody to be together – and we have a group that is ready to play,” the Brighton manager said.
“Professional players want to play football. It is in their interest to play football.
“Whomever we pick will be determined to do well for themselves and the club and I don’t have any problems with that.”
Potter feels a decent cup run can only stand his squad in good stead for their Premier League campaign.
“To win football matches is good – and we haven’t had so many this season, so that in itself can help,” he said.
“It can bring a positivity and the (FA Cup) competition is an important one.
“We are (in) the business of winning football matches and competing – so that is what we have to do on Sunday.”
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