Chris Hughton has been backed to win the battle of the promoted clubs in the Premier League - by the manager he is about to join on Albion's longest serving list.

Sunday's clash against Everton at the Amex is Hughton's 136th match in charge of the Seagulls since his appointment on New Year's Eve 2014.

That takes him level in the all-time top ten with Chris Cattlin.

Albion are currently trailing Newcastle, who pipped them to the Championship title last season.

They are also behind Huddersfield, another of Cattlin's former clubs, who went up via the play-offs.

The Seagulls are 14th with seven points, Huddersfield two points better off in 11th, Newcastle another point and two places higher.

The Argus: Cattlin does not see the situation lasting. He believes Hughton will eventually get the better of Rafa Benitez at Newcastle and Huddersfield's David Wagner (above) as the trio try to keep their clubs in the top flight for a second season.

Cattlin, like Hughton a left-back in his playing days, started his career at Huddersfield. The Lancastrian helped Albion to promotion to the top flight for the first time and then became manager for three years during a severe cost-cutting period in the mid-1980s, after they were relegated and reached the FA Cup final in the same season.

He was at the Amex for Albion's last home game, the 1-0 win against Newcastle, and was unimpressed by the visitors.

Cattlin (below) told The Argus: "I didn't think Newcastle offered anything. Brighton have got some very good footballers with footballing brains, especially in midfield.

The Argus: "That will see them in good stead and the two central defenders are very strong and competitive.

"Brighton have recruited better. It's all about good players.

"I think the Huddersfield manager has done a wonderful job, superb with what he's got. I don't rate Newcastle. Shelvey goes around...I just don't see it.

"Brighton are more compact. Chris plays a game where he's got seven, eight, nine in his hand and he knows the opposition have got ten, jack, queen.

"He plays a certain way and I don't think they will get thrashed. Huddersfield will go and play - and get done four or five. What that does is knock the confidence.

"I don't think Brighton will get hammered and the confidence will be maintained. The crowd are fantastic - if they get a corner you'd think they'd won the cup.

"Of the three I think Brighton have got the best chance."