Albion boss Chris Hughton expects another close encounter of the Palace kind at the Amex tomorrow night.

The Seagulls had a win, draw and defeat against Crystal Palace last season in his first experience of the rivalry.

Hughton said: "It's a big game. I understand what it means to the club and supporters - and that's both sets of supporters and both clubs.

"There is a nice feel going in to the game, particularly as both teams won at the weekend.

"Generally they have been fairly close games, certainly in my time here, and I expect it to be no different."

The sides drew 0-0 in the corresponding Premier League fixture last season. Albion won 2-1 at the Amex in the third round of the FA Cup, then were beaten 3-2 at Selhurst Park by Roy Hodgson's side.

Hughton said: "It will have to be about level of performance because I think they are a very talented team and a very good side.

"Their position in the league (14th) just shows how difficult this league is.

"They have an excellent manager who knows how to get results and set up his team, and they have matchwinners.

"Our level of performance will have to be good. We'll have to try to take the emotion out of the game when we can but we're at home.

"We have to try to take advantage of our home form, even though we are up against a team that have been good away this season."