BOSS Chris Hughton believes the pressure is off Albion at Chelsea tonight.

He thinks they can take inspiration from Cardiff and their own improvement this season away from home against the top six clubs in the quest to defy expectations at Stamford Bridge.

Relegation rivals Cardiff led Chelsea in Wales on Sunday until Maurizio Sarri's side snatched the points with a controversial late comeback, inspired by the introduction of Eden Hazard.

Hughton told The Argus: "Yes, I think you can take something from that game. It is a home game for them (Chelsea), which obviously puts it more in their favour, but it's really about our levels.

"We have got closer to the top six, certainly as regards the score lines.

"I thought Cardiff played well and it took the quality Chelsea have got to get the result in the end.

"I think it was encouraging, but also we are still very conscious it's a very hard game for us.

"In some way the pressure is off us. I don't think anybody expects us to go there and get anything. I would like to think or hope we can use that."

Albion still have to visit Spurs and Arsenal as well before the end of the season.

They lost 1-0 at Liverpool, 2-1 at Manchester United and 2-0 at Saturday's FA Cup semi-final opponents Manchester City, having conceded 14 goals and scored once in six defeats by the top sides last season.

The three Premier League defeats by Chelsea have included three goals for Hazard.

Hughton said: "He is a world class player. For how good he was a couple of seasons ago, I think he has improved on that.

"We've had examples of that at our place this season and last season when he was outstanding. It was probably one of the best single performances we've seen at the Amex.

"Would we be grateful if he wasn't playing? Yes. I know they've got so many good players to pick from but he's an outstanding individual who can win games."