Hughton expects another tight tussle with Sean Dyche's Burnley

A sequence of four successive draws between the clubs since Hughton took charge was broken by the Seagulls’ 1-0 defeat at Turf Moor in December.

Hughton said: “I’m expecting a tight game, because generally that’s what it has been. Even the home games against Burnley. The levels of the two clubs and the two teams have been relatively similar over the last seasons.

“They, of course, had an outstanding season last season (seventh) and testament to them, certainly with the budgets and what they have as regards the squad and the amount of players in the squad.

“I expect a hard-fought game. The fact we are at home you hope to take advantage of that.

“Our home form has been good and we are on the back of a very good performance against Watford (0-0), but we expect a very tough game.”

Hughton admitted to The Argus earlier this week that Albion are in a relegation battle, with their comfort cushion over the bottom three down to five points.

Burnley are just above the relegation zone, three points and four places beneath the Seagulls.