BOSS Chris Hughton believes playing most of the Premier League’s big guns before they are in full stride could work in Albion’s favour.

The Seagulls face Manchester United, Liverpool, Spurs and Manchester City in the space of six matches following an opening day trip to Watford on August 11.

Albion’s top flight return last season began at the Amex against Manchester City.

They held them for three-quarters of the match before losing 2-0 and Pep Guardiola’s team went on to win the title by 19 points.

Hughton told The Argus: “You look for any potential pluses that you can.

“This is our second season. You’d like to think we’ll have more knowledge.

“When we played Man City first game last season we were all concerned, because they had a really good pre-season, that we were catching them at the wrong time.

“But as the season progressed and seeing how good they were, we probably caught them at not such a bad time.

“You might catch some of these teams before they get into a real rhythm in their game. All those top six have got a lot of players away on World Cup duty.”

Albion finish the season this time at home to Manchester City, after visiting Arsenal.

The Gunners are at the Amex on Boxing Day, where they were beaten in March. West Ham are the hosts on New Year’s Day, following another festive home fixture against Everton.

Hughton said: “Finishing the season at home is always good. Boxing Day, New Year’s Day for our supporters is good, not too far.

“Overall it’s a very difficult start but, if you look at some of the important dates for our supporters, it has worked out well.”