Albion will make an away start in the Championship when the fixtures are announced tomorrow.

The Seagulls have asked the Football League not to give them a game at the Amex on August 6, as the date coincides with the Pride festival which would stretch police resources.

The clash with Pride has resurfaced following successive home starts for Albion in the last two seasons.

Chris Hughton's team began with a 1-0 win against Nottingham Forest last year to launch their promotion near-miss.

The previous season, Sami Hyypia's ill-fated reign commenced with a 1-0 defeat by Sheffield Wednesday at the Amex.

Albion traditionally struggle to get off to a flyer on their travels in the second tier.

They have lost opening games on the road during the Amex era at Hull under Gus Poyet and at Leeds under Oscar Garcia.

Their last victory at the level away from home on the first day was at Burnley under Martin Hinshelwood in 2002-03, a misleading prelude to relegation.

An immediate away test should hold no fears for Hughton's side, despite a division which promises to be more challenging than ever, toughened further by the demotions of Newcastle, Aston Villa and Norwich.

They lost just twice away throughout last season, at Rotherham in January and Cardiff in February.

The final round of matches will take place on Sunday, May 7 (midday).

Albion have also requested an away fixture on September 17 to avoid a clash with the Boundary Brighton music festival at nearby Stanmer Park.

  • Log on to theargus.co.uk from 9am on Wednesday (June 22) for the full announcement of the 2016/17 fixtures