Chris Hughton has told Albion not to read too much into Stoke’s last two results.

The Seagulls boss believes tomorrow’s opponents have improved and become more of a threat since the appointment of Paul Lambert in charge.

Stoke let slip an early lead to go down 2-1 at Bournemouth last Saturday.

Before that they were held 0-0 at home by Watford to dilute some of the enthusiasm of their win over Huddersfield in their first match under the new man in charge.

Hughton reckons that stalemate with Watford was put in perspective by the Hornets’ subsequent 4-1 hammering of Chelsea.

Just as Albion’s draw at Southampton last time they travelled was given context by Saints then winning at West Brom.

Stoke will see Albion’s visit as a great chance to kick-start a survival bid, just as Huddersfield, West Brom and, to a lesser degree, Southampton have in recent times.

Hughton said: “It will be difficult because they are in good form at the moment.

“We have watched the last few games.

“They are playing a different formation and their performances have been good.

“I thought they were very unlucky to lose at Bournemouth, who are in very good form.

“And they were up against a good Watford side at home the week before that.

“It will be a difficult game. We will need to show some of the qualities and strengths we showed in our last away game.”

Albion fans have been buzzing after their side’s performance in the 3-1 win over West Ham.

Hughton hopes to feed off that feelgood factor, albeit in a very different type of test.

He said: “Probably our last game at home was arguably our best in terms of looking like we can score goals.

“But this is an away game which we all know is more difficult.

“At the moment, from the games we have seen, Stoke are playing at a very high tempo and looking to push players through from midfield.

“They have a very talented front three.

“They will look to create an atmosphere at home. It can be a very difficult place to go.

“Certainly there has been an upsurge in their last few performances.

“That can be because of a formation or a change of manager.

“I know Paul quite well. He generally likes to play on the front foot and get players forward.

“He plays a very attacking style.

“He is an experienced manager who is used to setting his team up for whatever game.

“He will generally play a very entertaining style of football which all supporters want to see.”