Brighton and Hove Albion boss Peter Taylor has asked his players to deliver a top Christmas gift to the fans.

The Seagulls will regain the Second Division leadership and keep it until Boxing Day or beyond if they beat troubled Chesterfield at Withdean tonight.

Their five-week reign was interrupted last Friday, when the home game against Reading was frozen off.

That allowed Stoke to take over on goal difference, but their 1-1 home draw against Cardiff on Wednesday means the baton could be handed over once more.

Taylor said: "It's a very important game. Last Saturday we lost top spot and we want it back again, especially over Christmas.

"It would be a nice little present from the players to the fans in appreciation of the time they spend paying good money to watch us play. It would also be nice for us to go from level points with Stoke to two ahead."

Kerry Mayo (knee) and Gary Hart (dead leg) are both ruled out as Albion bid to stretch their unbeaten League run under Taylor to nine matches.

Their absence is likely to mean recalls to the starting line-up for Robbie Pethick and Lee Steele.

Taylor watched Chesterfield, still ravaged by financial problems, lose 2-0 against his old club Southend in an FA Cup replay at Roots Hall on Tuesday night.

"They are much better than I saw and not so long ago beat Reading at Reading, which shows what they are capable of," he warned.

"They are fighting for their lives and will make it very difficult for us, but we have to overcome that."

Brentford, a point and a place below Albion, are also in action tonight against next-to-bottom Northampton at Griffin Park.

Bristol City entertain third-bottom Wrexham tomorrow and are poised to capitalise on any slip-ups.

Albion reserve midfielder Shaun Wilkinson is joining Havant and Waterlooville on a month's loan. A recurrence of thigh trouble has wrecked a similar move to Bognor for forward Daniel Marney.