They have hung around unexpectedly and will be as interested as anybody in the result of Albion's game in hand at home to Cardiff tonight.

Huddersfield are the Seagulls' closest pursuers, eight points adrift in third.

They are the next side Albion visit in the Championship, on February 2, so Chris Hughton's side could head to Yorkshire with a commanding 11-point cushion or the incentive for Huddersfield of knowing they could cut the gap between the teams to five points.

 

Hughton, who watched Huddersfield's home win against Ipswich on Saturday, respects the challenge the Terriers have mounted under David Wagner.

He told The Argus: "I wouldn't say I'm surprised. They have recruited very well in the summer.

"They are one of a few clubs, ourselves included, that have benefited from the slower start that Derby had, that Villa had and probably the inconsistency Norwich have had.

"The three clubs I've mentioned, everybody would have expected to be in the top six.

"But they are a really good side and they have got a manager who has built in the time he's been there, so they've improved. They deserve to be there."