Albion boss Chris Hughton is expecting more stern resistance at the Amex from Birmingham tonight.

The Seagulls made hard work of seeing off third-bottom Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.

Birmingham are also perilously placed under Gianfranco Zola, only six points and four places above Rovers.

Hughton said: “It will be as tough as Saturday’s game, I’ve no doubts about that.

“They haven’t lost in the last three games. They’ve made some changes, they are getting used to the changes and the structure, and they are getting a little bit more consistency now. And they are another team that’s fighting.”

Albion won 2-1 at Birmingham in December, substitute Solly March inspiring a comeback capped by late goals by Anthony Knockaert and Glenn Murray in Zola’s first match in charge after succeeding Gary Rowett at St Andrew’s.

Birmingham have suffered ten defeats in their 18 league games under the Italian but he has steadied the ship with three straight draws, including holding leaders Newcastle.

Hughton said: “Sometimes when you change manager it clicks straight away, sometimes it takes longer.”

Bruno has recovered from a two-match absence with groin trouble to lead Albion. March and Tomer Hemed are also strong contenders to return to the starting line-up in the quest for a tenth home league win out of 12.