Sam Baldock has warned Albion that Derby County will arrive at the Amex with a point to prove.

The Seagulls are still pushing for automatic promotion, while County are already resigned to the play-offs ahead of Monday’s clash (2.30pm).

Striker Baldock, who scored his fourth goal of the season in last Saturday’s 3-1 win at Charlton, told The Argus: “I think they’ll come down with a point to prove.

“They will feel they should be where we are. They’ll be keen to make a statement and to everyone watching that they will be going into the play-offs in good form.

“They’ve got immense talent, so we’ll respect them, but we’ll also fancy ourselves to beat them.”

Albion were knocked out of the play-offs by Derby two seasons ago. The Seagulls could face them again in the semi-finals if they miss out on the top two but only in the unlikely event of Derby dropping from fifth to sixth in the final two games.

They are six points clear of Sheffield Wednesday with a better goal difference.

Baldock will be keeping an eye on promotion rivals and last day hosts Middlesbrough at Birmingham tonight.

He said: “I will watch Middlesbrough mainly to see what their strengths and weaknesses are for the following week, if I was to be picked.”

The former Bristol City marksman was substituted in the second half at Charlton on his return to the starting line-up after a recurrence of hamstring trouble.

“I didn’t have to come off,” he said. “I felt good but the manager made his tactical decision and it came off.”