Only one team (Leicester) outside of the top six have beaten Albion in 19 Premier League matches at the Amex.

So now that Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool are out of the way, the Seagulls have a good opportunity to secure safety sooner than last season.

Four points from the last four home games against Chelsea, Arsenal, Everton and Liverpool, with a minus one goal difference, is an acceptable return.

It will not be from the next four against Watford, Burnley, Huddersfield and Cardiff.

Six of the bottom nine still have to visit the Amex.

Cardiff in mid-March (assuming Albion have not reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup) are followed by Southampton, Bournemouth and Newcastle.

The focus last season was on a horribly difficult climax.

Beating Manchester United in the final home game meant Albion could relax at Manchester City and Liverpool.

All being well this time, Albion should be safe a while before Petr Cech's farewell at the Emirates and the last day arrival of Manchester City, which might just have implications for the title race.