Why Yves Bissouma suspension at Man City may not be so bad for Brighton after all

The midfielder received his fifth yellow card of the season in the 3-3 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers, which makes him illegible to feature against the four-time Premier League champions.

In an already up and down season for Graham Potter’s side, the Mali international has been one of a few consistent performers for the former Swansea City boss this season.

With Manchester City's ability to maintain possession of the ball for lengthy periods during matches, the full force of Bissouma’s absence in midfield against Pep Guardiola’s side will be felt as he is crucial to retrieving the ball, alleviating pressure, and starting attacks of his own.

The 24-year-old has grown a maturity in both his defensive duties and when going forward this season, which makes him a prized asset in this Seagulls side.

Across his 16 Premier League appearances so far this season, he has averaged 3.1 tackles per game and 1.8 clearances.

These averages have already shown his progression when compared to his previous two seasons on the south coast. Across the 2018/19 and 2019/20 campaigns, the former Lille midfielder averaged 2.2 tackles per game, albeit across more fixtures.

However, these statistics offer a glimpse of how crucial he is in regaining possession and forcing turnovers.

Although it turned out to be a consolation, his superb strike against Everton is already a contender for goal of the season. In what was his only goal of the campaign to date, Bissouma drove a first-time volley from the edge of the box past a helpless Jordan Pickford.

In Bissouma’s absence, Potter has a huge decision on his hands of who should fill the void. It’s expected that Pascal Gross will make only his eighth Premier League start of the season in Manchester, alongside Davy Propper.

However, in limited appearances this season, the German midfielder has still been able to affect games. He has scored and assisted two goals, respectively, and at 29-years-old may add the expertise and experience needed against world-class opposition.

In the long term, the absence of Bissouma may benefit Albion. In a time of much uncertainty coinciding with one of the most congested fixture lists, a much-needed break may do the 24-year-old and the club, the world of good.

Only three days after the meeting with Guardiola’s team, Albion face another difficult trip on the road. As Bissouma’s ban only lasts for one fixture, he will once again be available for selection against Leeds United at Elland Road.

Even the most optimistic Albion fan will recognise the fixture against Leeds as a more likely opportunity to gain crucial points rather than on Wednesday night.

With a fully fit Bissouma potentially returning to the side, this gives Potter an enhanced chance to gain a league victory for the first time since November against the Yorkshire side.