Chris Hughton believes Albion's results this season show they have improved.

The Seagulls have not lost by more than two goals so far - against Manchester City and Everton.

Today's visitors Liverpool thrashed them 5-1 at the Amex last season, while Chelsea won 4-0.

The games have been much closer this time. Albion lost 1-0 at Anfield in August and 2-1 at home to Chelsea last month.

Hughton said: "You're always looking for barometers of progress and achievement.For a club of our level, I think that's what it's going to be.

"Are we going to have big victories against teams? Generally no. But it's about how many games we can win, it's about the challenges away from home and can we improve our form?

"And it's certainly against the bigger clubs managing to stay in games. I can remember a couple in particular, Liverpool and Chelsea here last season, which were bigger defeats for us.

"That has been a challenge for us and at the moment, that's one we're managing to achieve."

Hughton's game plan against Jurgen Klopp's table-toppers will not be too ambitious.

He said: "You have to have a defensive strategy, I don't think there's any team that plays against them that can afford to go into a game without that, even Manchester City.

"Manchester City would have to be mindful of the qualities Liverpool have. You also have to have a strategy to get out, to keep hold of the on to the ball and determine the best way to win the game."