Albion boss Chris Hughton has warned it will still be difficult to topple leaders Derby County at the Amex tonight - even without their two main strikers.

Chris Martin and ex-Seagulls loan signing Darren Bent are both sidelined for the visitors by injuries.

Hughton told The Argus: "They are a good side and the way they play, 4-3-3, who ever plays up top for them they won't change.

"They play a very progressive game through the thirds which has served them very well these last few seasons and they are a team that play with high energy.

"Whether they (Martin and Bent) play or not it will still be a difficult task."

Former Derby loan signing Leon Best and Chris O'Grady are on standby to spearhead the attack for fifth-bottom Albion if Craig Mackail-Smith misses out with hamstring stiffness.