BOSS Chris Hughton believes Albion should be confident about the challenge of trying to topple Chelsea.

The Seagulls host Maurizio Sarri's side on Sunday at the Amex (1.30) after an impressive victory with ten men against Crystal Palace in the last home game.

Albion lost narrowly at Burnley on Saturday, while Chelsea's triumph over Manchester City at Stamford Bridge enabled Liverpool to replace the champions at the top of the table.

Hughton's side have already beaten Manchester United at the Amex again this season and gave Spurs a run for their money in their only home defeat in ten games.

Hughton told The Argus: "We should do (approach the game with confidence) because we are on the back of a really good performance in our last home game and it was a good enough performance at Burnley to get something.

"It will be a big crowd. If I look at our performances, Tottenham was close, United we were able to beat.

"We will have to pull out the type of performance we have in the past against the big clubs."

Chelsea inflicted Albion's joint-heaviest defeat at the Amex last season, two-goal Eden Hazard and Willian starring in a 4-0 win after Hughton switched to three central defenders.

He said: "It was a strange game. We changed the shape. It will be remembered for a couple of the goals and the performance of Hazard. That's what can happen if you are not on your game."

Alvaro Morata, on target against Albion at Stamford Bridge last season, was dropped from the squad against City, Sarri using Hazard as a false number nine with Olivier Giroud on the bench.

The Italian coach said: "I don't know if in Brighton we will play in the same way or not, maybe not."