Percy Tau faces a Premier League baptism of fire when he and his Brighton teammates got to Manchester City tonight.
Bafana star Tau made his English debut for the Seagulls in their FA Cup penalty shootout win over third-tier Newport County.
And he and teammates, one place above the league relegation with 14 points from 17 games, will have to step up a level at Eastlands against Pep Guardiola’s fast-improving City – on 33 points after 15 games played.
While Tau came on a 71st-minute substitute for Alireza Jahanbakhsh, the Iranian has been ruled out of the clash due to injury.
And with coach Graham Potter also missing attacking talents in Danny Welbeck, Adam Lallana, Aaron Connolly and Tariq Lamptey, the former SA Player of the Year looks set to start.
Of Tau, Potter says: “We’re very excited. He’s only been with us for a few days, but you can see his quality.
“It’s nice to have a fresh face, someone to come with his enthusiasm and the positions he can cover.”
Meanwhile, City welcomed back more stars as they continue to pick up a head of steam in their title challenge, with three manne back from Covid-19 isolation.
First-choice goalkeeper Ederson looks set to return to the best defence in the league - having conceded just 13 goals in their 15 games.
Winger Ferran Torres is also back to boost City’s attack and looking to add to his 12 goals in all competitions.