Albion boss Micky Adams believes an onerous October will shape the Seagulls' season, not their special September.

The tough run of fixtures lying ahead have caused Adams to revise his opinion of when the table takes on some meaning.

He has stated previously that ten games would be the benchmark, but the Seagulls now face the other three teams in the top four in their next three League matches.

"I've had a look at it," Adams said. "Normally you tend to get an idea about the table after ten games.

"Let's take it after 15 or 16 this time. We have got Brentford at home, Huddersfield away, Oldham at home and Notts County away, so October will give us an indication of where we are at.

"We are playing the teams that are up there now and we are looking forward to it."

Albion bid for a 13th straight home League win against one of Adams' old clubs, Brentford, at Withdean on Friday night.

A run-breaking victory for Steve Coppell's fourth-placed Bees would automatically lift them above the Seagulls.

New table-toppers Oldham, above Albion on goal difference, are away to Bournemouth on Friday, while third-placed Huddersfield go to Queens Park Rangers on Sunday.

Albion follow the Brentford match with a trip to Huddersfield on Saturday week and the visit of Oldham seven days later.

Adams is likely to field some of his fringe players for the LDV Vans Trophy tie against another of his former clubs Swansea on October 16.

An arduous month ends at Notts County on October 23 and at home to Colchester on October 27.

Albion are approaching the task in relaxed mood after 14 points from a possible 18 in an unbeaten September, which won Adams the Second Division manager of the month award.

"When you have a start like we've had it gives you that bit of breathing space," he said.

"That is good, because things are not going to go for you all of the time."