Promotion-chasing sides clash at Turf Moor this afternoon, as fourth-place Burnley take on second-place Brighton and Hove Albion.

Can Chris Hughton's Brighton preserve their unbeaten league record at Burnley today?
Can Chris Hughton's Brighton preserve their unbeaten league record at Burnley today?

Sean Dyche's Clarets are unbeaten in seven Sky Bet Championship matches, while Brighton have led the league table for a long time so far this season, but have been usurped by the in-form Hull City.

It is an important game for both teams to stamp their authority on the race for the Premier League, with Chris Hughton's Seagulls knowing that victory would send them top.

Can either side enhance their promotion credentials? Here are three to look out for in this afternoon's encounter...

1) The teams are very evenly matched

Strangely enough, Brighton and Burnley have identical goal differences this far into the season.

Burnley have scored 23 and conceded 14, whilst Brighton have scored 21 and conceded 12. In fact, Burnley have only been outscored by four teams this season.

When you compare this to Seagulls' keeper David Stockdale, who has kept six clean sheets this season, meaning he is sixth on that list.

It will be a case of whether Burnley's attacking threat or the solid figure of the Brighton keeper and defence come out on top to decide the outcome of the match.

2) The history between the two sides

These two sides have met 27 times, with Brighton winning ten and Burnley bagging the points on nine occasions.

However, the last time that Burnley managed a win over the South Coast side was back in April 2012, a 1-0 win in the Championship. It is a run which Dyche's side will want to put that record right.

As a result, we should be in with an interesting match, as Burnley will come out and seek to stamp their authority to inflict a first league defeat of the season on the Seagulls.

3) Home and Away form

Burnley have won six of their eight home matches this season, scoring 16 goals, the most in the league. They will take some stopping at Turf Moor this afternoon.

However, Brighton may be the team to do so.

Although they have won just three of their eight away league matches, they are the only side unbeaten away from home.

They know how to get results away from home, in the same way that Burnley know how to win at home.

Something will have to give this afternoon though.

Burnley and Brighton fans... how you think the game will go? Who will leave Turf Moor with the points? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!