Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi rates Pep Guardiola as a coaching "reference".
The Seagulls go to City tomorrow.
De Zerbi said: "He's the best coach in the world and he's a reference, not only for me, but I think for all coaches in the world. I'm happy when I listen to Pep speak about me. I feel in a difficult situation, a bit embarrassed.
"We are working to progress. We are not a big team yet, we are working to it. We know we are Brighton, we have to show a lot of things in this season. This is a very difficult season for us. I think we are playing well, fighting well, but we have to improve."
On his selection, De Zerbi added: "Yes, James Milner is available to play, to start the game. Pascal as well. We have two injuries - Pervis Estupinan and Tariq Lampety. And Jakub Moder started to work with us, with the group, and is another great news for us."