The two defeated play-off semi-finalists meet each other on the opening day of the season in what promises to be a mouth-watering affair.
After goal difference denied Brighton automatic promotions, they were dumped out of the play-offs by 6th place Sheffield Wednesday.
Derby - on the other hand - had an up and down season, threatening the automatic spots at some stages but mostly being situated in the play-offs.
Their campaign was ended with defeat to Hull, who eventually beat Wednesday in the final to gain promotion.
Brighton and Derby are both expected to bounce back and be competing at the top end of the Championship again so this clash of the giants on the 6th August is eagerly anticipated by the neutrals.
Both teams will fancy themselves to win it but you feel Brighton have the upper hand; they were the better side over 46 games last year, and Nigel Pearson will still be searching for his best team and finding his feet in the new role at Derby.
Here is a 4-4-2 side that Brighton could deploy in an attempt to exploit Pearson's novelty and blow Derby out the water on the opening day...
GK: David Stockdale
30-year-old David Stockdale is becoming one of Brighton's key players after two consistent seasons.
He has been between the sticks for 88 league games since joining the Seagulls in 2014 from Fulham.
It was the kickstart that his stalling career needed and regular football has certainly benefited the Leeds-born stopper.
Stockdale is a commanding 'keeper as well as a good shot stopper so he should continue as Brighton's main goalkeeper next season.
RB: Bruno
Bruno may be turning 36 next season but the industrial right back is showing no signs of decline.
In fact, last year was arguably his best yet as he earned a place in the PFA Team of the Year.
The club captain is a fan favourite at Brighton and has played 143 league games for the Championship outfit since joining in 2012 from Valencia.
The Spaniard is a reliable performer at the back and his leadership is a real asset to the squad.
CB: Lewis Dunk
Brighton look set to shrug off interest in their star defender Lewis Dunk so he should retain his place for the opening game of the season.
The towering 6'4'' centre half is powerful in the air, a threat at set pieces and a solid defender.
His all round game has improved significantly over the past two years and the the 24-year-old has over 150 senior career appearances to his name.
He still has a long-term contract and will give Brighton fans a huge boost if he stays at the club next year.
CB: Connor Goldson
Joining Lewis Dunk in defence is another regular from last year: Connor Goldson.
The 23-year-old is another man mountain at the back, standing at 6'3'' so expect this Brighton defence to nullify any "aerial presence" style strikers.
After making his debut in 2015, he played 20 league games for Brighton and looks comfortable at the back.
Brighton fans will be hoping that the former Shrewsbury defender can continue to develop his game by getting more playing time next year.
LB: Joey O'Brien
The left back spot is there for the taking and Chris Hughton might look to recruit another player for this position.
He should look no further than free agent Joey O'Brien, who was released by West Ham at the end of his contract this summer.
The old-fashioned full back is equally comfortable on the right or the left and is defensively very solid.
His lack of pace sometimes causes him some problems but you can't knock the 30-year-old's positional play, passion or commitment.
He has 5 Republic of Ireland caps and would add lots of experience of both top flight and Championship football.
RM: Anthony Knockaert
Anthony Knockaert returned to the Championship in January and continued to take it by storm.
The diminutive wide man was infamous for missing a decisive penalty in the play-offs for Leicester but influential in helping the Foxes win promotion next year.
After a spell with Standard Liege, Knockaert opted to return to England and Brighton are the beneficiaries of that decision.
In his seventeen games last season, the 24-year-old stirred up excitement with his skill and trickery and netted 5 times too.
His talent is undeniable and the former France under-21 international could be Brighton's key man in the upcoming campaign.
CM: Beram Kayal
Brighton face a tough task keeping hold of Beram Kayal after his impressive performances last season but they are winning that battle at the moment.
The Israel international has been subject to Premier League interest after his best season yet in central midfield.
The former Maccabi Haifa and Celtic man is naturally a deep set midfielder but has the capacity to play as a box-to-box player too.
The 28-year-old has all the attributes to equip him for the English game: pace, strength, stamina and a commendable work ethic.
CM: Dale Stephens
Dale Stephens really rose to prominence last term and was one of Brighton's best performers.
He has played 75 times for Albion since his switch from Charlton but made 45 appearances last year and he has been opening the eyes of some Premier League scouts.
The 27-year-old formed an impressive partnership with Kayal last season, so this duo narrowly pip the very competent Steve Sidwell to the starting central midfield spots on the opening day.
LM: Solly March
On the left side of midfield I've taken a gamble and opted for talented youngster Solly March.
The tricky wide man was thriving before a knee injury ended his season in December.
The 21-year-old has been subject to interest from Southampton and West Ham but Brighton will hope to keep their attacking midfielder, and get the best out of him in a Blue and White shirt.
If they can get the England under-21 international fully fit and performing at the same level, then they have a tremendous prospect on their hands.
His inclusion for the first game is admittedly a risk but it could pay off and they need to maximise March's game time to help him develop.
ST: Tomer Hemed
Leading the line as the main striker will again be Tomer Hemed next season after his phenomenal debut year for Brighton.
The Israel international surprised everyone by netting 17 league goals and almost firing Brighton to automatic promotion.
The 29-year-old is a handful for defences and thrives in a strike duo with someone else so 4-4-2 is a perfect formation for Hemed.
With the right service, Hemed can be a prolific goalscorer again next season and should retain his starting spot in this Brighton side.
ST: Glenn Murray
Glenn Murray will act as more of a target man in this strike partnership.
The 6'2'' frontman brings lots of experience to this Brighton side and has a knack of scoring goals when it matters.
The 32-year-old previously enjoyed a spell with the Seagulls, scoring 53 times in 118 games.
He rejoins on loan from Bournemouth and will score goals in the Championship if given regular game time.
Brighton also have Sam Baldock to bring off the bench too if he isn't performing so he is under pressure to get the goals.