Brighton are in absolutely scintillating form at the moment under Chris Hughton and look like the only side that will keep pace with runaway leaders Newcastle.

Brighton are trying to better last season's breakthrough season where Chris Hughton worked wonders and turned Brighton into promotion challengers.

They went on 21 game unbeaten run before agonisingly missing out on promotion on the final day against Middlesbrough and losing in the play-offs to Sheffield Wednesday.

But that's all forgotten at the AMEX and some shrewd summer signings in the shape of central defender Shane Duffy, midfielder Oliver Norwood and striker Glenn Murray, they look ready for an automatic promotion challenge.

Brighton have won 8 of their last 10 games and are undefeated since September and sit 2nd, but will have to be at their best on Friday to beat an in-form Aston Villa who look fantastic under new boss Steve Bruce.

Here is the Brighton XI I think should play on Friday to dominate Aston Villa....

 

GK - David Stockdale

One of the first names on the team sheet must be David Stockdale, who has been a fixture in the first team for a number of seasons now.

The 31 year old has made over 100 appearances and has impressed Brighton fans with his agility, organisational skills and consistency.

LB - Gaetan Bong

Bong was a revelation for Brighton last season after moving from Wigan and built up a telepathic understanding with left winger Kazenga LuaLua.

His injury last was a major setback and the slightly less competent Liam Rosenior took his place.

But he has returned this season strong as ever and is part of the best defence in the league, whilst his pace and attacking has been cracking as always, building a good partnership with Jamie Murphy.

RB - Bruno Saltor

Bruno was absolutely exceptional for Brighton at right back last season and is still one of the best right backs in the division.

At the age of 36, he is thoroughly experienced with huge teams like Valencia and now is the captain at Brighton and is essential to the defensive unit.

A wonderful player, a leader, he must stay injury free if Brighton are to be successful.

His work-rate down the flank is unmatched and he is a big fan favourite.

CB - Shane Duffy

The former Blackburn man had an excellent partnership with Grant Hanley at Blackburn last season and has continued that form with Brighton.

His partnership with Dunk is the best in the division so far as they've only leaked 9 goals, and he has usurped the impressive Connor Goldson who is a talented option to bring in if one of the 2 gets injured.

Duffy has become important for Ireland as well and has started his Brighton career solidly.

CB - Lewis Dunk

Perhaps the best centre half in the division, Dunk has long been tipped for a big money move to the Premier League but has stayed loyal to the Seagulls.

A former captain, his defensive ability is fantastic using his towering height to dominate attackers, controlling aerial duels and is also a big threat from set pieces.

Dunk is a huge part of Brighton's defensive success this season and his outstanding partnership with Duffy is the club's biggest asset.

CM - Oliver Norwood

Brighton have an abundance of talented options in central midfield and are not affected by the injury to key play-maker Beram Kayal, who formed an excellent partnership with Dale Stephens last season.

Norwood was statistically one of the division's best players last season with Reading, and has strengthened the ranks at Brighton giving Hughton problems on who to start.

CM - Steve Sidwell

Even though Dale Stephens is one of the most talented midfielders outside of the Premier League, Hughton has no reason to drop Steve Sidwell who is on form.

Sidwell has impressed all season, forming an excellent partnership with Norwood since joining in the summer, and Kayal may find him difficult to dislodge.

 

LM - Jiri Skalak

Hughton also has a big decision to make at left midfield as Jamie Murphy played very well against Bristol City when Knockaert was missing due to the death of his father.

But the Skalak-Knockaert partnership was huge for Brighton last season and has been successful this season with them both using their pace to rip defences apart.

Czech winger Skalak was excellent last season and is now a regular for the Czech Republic, and has formed a good link-up with Bong.

 

RM - Anthony Knockaert

A couple of weeks ago we were met with the very sad news of Knockaert's father passing away and it was touching to see most of the players attend the funeral, showing the great team spirit.

Knockaert is perhaps the best winger in the division and if available on Friday, will certainly play as his pace and attacking instinct makes him terrifying to defend against, and he can turn the game on its head.

ST - Sam Baldock

Baldock has impressively held down the starting position in the first team, favouring a role behind the striker Hemed or Murray.

The 27- year-old holds the ball up with his pace and sets up plenty of chances for Murray, and they have formed a very good understanding with each other so far this season.

Quite an underrated player but Hemed may challenge for his spot soon enough.

 

ST - Glenn Murray

Murray has been huge for Brighton so far this season replacing Tomer Hemed up front and is currently the division's second highest scorer with 9 goals.

His experience is invaluable to the side and helped Crystal Palace win promotion a number of seasons ago.

His start has been magnificent and he has a good understanding with fellow attacker Sam Baldock.

Should be the first name on the team sheet to have a go at the shaky Villa defence as his finishing and hassling is second to none.

Thoughts Brighton fans? Leave comments below!