STEVE SIDWELL reckons Albion face a test of patience against Manchester City – on and off the pitch.

The Seagulls could be in for long periods without the ball as they face last season’s kings of Premier League possession on the opening day.

Fans at a packed Amex were patient when Atletico Madrid kept the ball on Sunday.

Sidwell hopes that extends to the league.

The experienced midfielder told The Argus: “We know from working in pre-season on the training pitch what our game-plan is going to be in most games.

“Then we have got to adapt to their style of play.

“We will have to be patient – and the crowd will have to be patient as well sometimes.

“If we get on top, we have got to make it count and get the fans right behind us.”