Albion boss Chris Hughton is hoping for a "pleasant surprise" from his old club Birmingham tonight.

But he will not be at St Andrew's to see if they can do the Seagulls a favour against promotion rivals Middlesbrough.

The result and Albion's home game against Derby on Monday will have an impact on the promotion decider at Boro five days later.

Albion, Boro and leaders Burnley - at home to QPR on Monday - are all on 87 points, with the Seagulls in third due to a slightly inferior goal difference.

Hughton said: "I think the best approach, when you look at the quality of the teams up there, is to hope there is a pleasant surprise, not to expect it.

 

"If it happens it would be a nice bonus. There are certainly no easy games in this division and all three of us have tough games.

"I won't be going tonight, I've avoided that one. I shall watch the game. At this stage of the season we know so much about each other and it is an indication of what our approach has to be.

"We have two very tough games and we've got to do all that we can to win both of them."

Albion have no fresh injuries for Derby's visit. Bobby Zamora, Uwe Huenemeier and Solly March remain long-term casualties.

Former Albion loan midfielder Bradley Johnson has returned to training with Derby after missing the last four matches with a knee injury.