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Crystal Palace host bitter rivals Brighton this weekend in what promises to be a fiery encounter, with tackles and emotions flying high - Seagulls boss Chris Hughton, though, has taken the opportunity to praise his Palace counterpart, in quotes reported by The Daily Mail.

Speaking ahead of the much-anticipated clash, Hughton expressed his admiration for Roy Hodgson:

"Roy is someone I know very well.

"He's assembled a very good side. To still be doing it at this level, at his age, is exceptional. Credit to him."

At 72 years of age, former England boss Hodgson, who recently became the oldest manager in Premier League, is well worthy of the praise afforded to him by Hughton.

Rest assured, though, niceties will surely be brushed to one side on Saturday. Last time the two sides met, Palace were beaten 3-1 despite the Seagulls having a man sent off in the first half.

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The Eagles, though, have been on an inspired run of form in recent weeks - they have taken 11 points from a possible 18 in their last six games and will have been buoyed by their win over Burnley at the weekend.

Brighton, meanwhile, picked up their first win of 2019 over relegation certainties Huddersfield last weekend - the Selhurst Park outfit will want nothing more than to knock them back down though, as a win would see them go six points clear of their rivals and most likely secure Premier League survival for another season.

Not to mention the all-important bragging rights.