Hughton expecting another tricky test

Rohan Ince is expected to return for Albion on Saturday

Albion boss Chris Hughton is expecting a tough task when his side take on one of the Championship’s surprise packages so far this season, with Birmingham City visiting the Amex on Saturday.

When the campaign kicked off back in August, very few would have predicted Saturday’s clash would see second take on sixth. Brighton remain unbeaten so far this season, having not lost any of their opening 17 league fixtures.

But The Blues have also impressed so far and currently occupy the final play-off place. A fine job so far this season from their boss Gary Rowett has seen him guide the club to eight victories from 17 games.

That strong start has seen him linked with the Fulham and QPR jobs this week and Hughton knows his side will face another tricky test on Saturday.

He said: “I think you could class them as a surprise package this season.

“If you look at where they started at the start of this season - with a lot of players leaving over the previous two seasons and not having the finances that many sides do in this league.

“So I think Gary Rowett has done a really good job there. They have great consistency in the team and are not a side that changes personnel too often.