Brighton and Hove Albion have been shock contenders for an automatic promotion spot this season, pushing interchanging table toppers Middlesbrough and Burnley all the way.

The Seagulls have been a revelation this term, viewed by many to be a mid-table outfit at the best before the start of this campaign.

Chris Hughton has done a wonderful job in charge at the Amex and his side remain just two points off the Promised Land as things stand.

Both Boro and the Clarets are looking formidable enough, though it would be silly to bet against Brighton in light of their recent run of form.

With a trip to the recently relegated Charlton Athletic on the horizon, the game in South London represents a wonderful chance to help the club keep the pace as the season draws to a climactic close.

Few would have bet on them at the start of the season, but Brighton can seriously win the Championship this season. It's a remarkable story.

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Click the image to find out why and how Brighton will win the league.

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Hughton Factor

Chris Hughton is a very underrated boss at this level. The former Spurs coach led Newcastle United out of the second tier almost half a decade ago in record breaking success and is a large part of the Seagulls' high flying position this time round.

Having the nous to get over the line in the Championship is crucial, something Hughton has in abundance.

As the season draws to a close, he will be leaning on his vast experience in order to pull off an unlikely title win.

Charlton Next

Clearly, there are no easy games in professional football and Brighton are unlikely to take their trip to the Valley this weekend lightly.

The Addicks may have been relegated, but Hughton will not allow for complacency.

With their minds fully focused, the club can romp to a victory of their hosts and crank up the pressure on their nearest rivals heading into the final six points of this long gruelling season.

Burnley vs Preston

Burnley were lucky to remain in the automatic playoff spots with a last minute goal against Boro, though things don't get any easier for them this weekend.

A trip to Deepdale for the Clarets to face a solid Preston side poses a major problem for their plans, especially with Brighton playing the relegated Charlton at the same time.

Burnley are far more likely to drop points this weekend, leaving just two in the race.

Youth and Experience

The signings of James Wilson and Steve Sidwell on loans is a true reflection on just how helpful the loan market can be for Championship sides.

In their squad, Brighton boast the youthful dynamism of a player with enormous potential as well as the experience of a seasoned Premier League veteran.

Things likely to stand them in good stead as the pressure heats up.

Derby Confirmed

Derby County will clearly not be an easy tie by any stretch of the imagination, though the Rams recently secured their place in the playoffs.

With potentially three huge games coming up, perhaps Brighton can capitalise on the fact County may be looking to rest up for games with so much at stake.

The in-form team

No team is currently in better form than Hughton's Seagulls. They romped to a 4-0 victory over a resurgent QPR side last night, making it 11 games unbeaten and NINE goals scored in the last two games.

With a trip to Teeside on the final day of the season, the momentum the club have now will surely lead to a sensational victory and title win after the long trip up to the North East.