Albion boss Chris Hughton has played down the impact of a scattered fixture list on the Championship promotion race.

The three clubs locked together on 87 points and contesting an automatic place in the Premier League are in action on different days or at different times in the penultimate round of matches.

Albion entertain Derby County at the Amex on Monday (2.30pm). The game will be over when Burnley, current leaders on goal difference, host Queens Park Rangers (4.45pm).

Middlesbrough, the Seagulls’ final day hosts, get an early chance to increase the pressure at Birmingham on Friday evening (7.45pm).

Albion found themselves in a similar situation when they thumped Fulham 5-0 at home earlier this month.

Hughton told The Argus: “We’ve experienced it. It was a nice feeling, playing on a Friday night and winning going into the weekend, but you get so used to playing at different times. The only reason it doesn’t matter is because you get used to it.

“Also, if there is one thing it teaches you in this league it is that you just have to put all of your efforts into your game.”