Hughton urges Brighton to seize opportunities in upcoming matches

Chris Hughton knows Brighton must make the most of a run of games against teams around them in the Premier League table.

The Seagulls resume domestic action looking to halt a run of back-to-back defeats when they host Leicester.

With fixtures coming up against the likes of Huddersfield, Crystal Palace and Burnley before tackling both Chelsea and Arsenal later in December, Hughton does not want to let opportunities slip by.

"We know that games at home bring more pressure to get results, as well as ones against teams outside the top six," the Brighton boss said.

"That doesn't mean you will get those results, but we are always realistic and we have to make the most of those opportunities.

"We had a good spell but are now on the back of two defeats, so we know the level we have to reach."

Brighton will be without midfielder Dale Stephens as he starts a three-match suspension following a red card in the last-gasp defeat at Cardiff before the international break.

Winger Alireza Jahanbakhsh, meanwhile, continues to recover from a hamstring problem.

Brighton defender Lewis Dunk made his senior international debut for England in the win over the United States at Wembley last week.

Hughton believes the 27-year-old, who has scored in both of his last two Premier League appearances, showed he has what it takes to force himself into Gareth Southgate's squad on a regular basis.

"His performance was nothing short of what I expected. He showed good composure but there will be more testing games for him," Hughton said at a press conference reported by the club.

"The reason he played is because of the level he has now reached. He has matured and you do that by developing in the way he has over the last few years.

"He is now in a position where he has to seize whatever chance he can, and he thoroughly deserved it."