HUGHTON: HOME RUN CRUCIAL TO SURVIVAL

BRIGHTON boss Chris Hughton insists “Fortress Amex” can keep Brighton in the Premier League.

A quirk of the fixture computer means Albion have four home matches in the next five Premier League games – against Swansea today and then Arsenal, Leicester and Huddersfield.

It is a huge opportunity to move well clear of the relegation zone and Hughton wants his players to grasp the nettle.

“The mood is very good here at the moment,” he said. “We are on a decent run and have managed to stay in the FA Cup too. There’s a real good feel about the place.

“We know that home form will be vitally important – and the games coming up include two against teams in the same area of the table as us.

“We’ve had some decent performances away – including a couple of results some might not have expected – but our strength over a season was always going to be at home.

“Yes, we lost heavily against Chelsea – but the general feeling was that it flattered them. Then there was Liverpool. But, apart from that, we’ve been competitive at the Amex and that’s what gives my players confidence. We know we have a chance of winning games here.”

But Hughton (above) says there is no need for flags, banners and plastic clappers to beef up the atmosphere – because he believes his players can do the job themselves.

“There will be lots of clubs who do different things with the crowd, from banners to clappers. But, ultimately, you have to lift the supporters. It’s always been that way, irrespective of where you are,” he added.

“You have to lift them with a team that is motivated and shows it on the pitch. Whatever you put on at a stadium, the biggest thing that can get a crowd on their feet is a (good) performance.”