Poyet wary of Blues threat

Gus Poyet has warned his Brighton side against complacency as the Championship leaders bid to make it six straight wins against Birmingham.

The form of the soaring Seagulls is in stark contrast to that of Lee Clark's Blues, who were humiliated 5-0 at home by Barnsley last weekend in a defeat that left Clark's future in doubt.

Poyet told his club's official website: "I cannot base anything on what happened to them because it was an accident for them. They have a lot of experience and Premier League players in every position."

To add to Birmingham's woes, Marlon King and Hayden Mullins are both doubts due to illness and Clark is determined to take the opportunity to give some young players a chance.

He said: "It gives people an opportunity now - those youngsters who have done ever so well and caught my eye. One or two might get a chance and we'll see how they perform."

Second-placed Huddersfield will look to build on their superb recent form of 13 points from a possible 15 when they meet Gianfranco Zola's Watford, who by contrast have picked up a solitary point from their last five games.

Steve Kean's future as Blackburn boss remains the subject of intense speculation as Rovers head south to Charlton looking to get back to winning ways after last weekend's home loss to Middlesbrough.

Fifth-placed Hull will have boss Steve Bruce back on the bench for the visit of pointless Peterborough to the KC Stadium, after Bruce was sent to the stands in last week's 3-1 loss to Leicester.

Posh boss Darren Ferguson is determined to remain upbeat, saying: "It has been a good week. The players have trained with intensity, and have put themselves in contention for a place in the team."

Ipswich manager Paul Jewell is another Championship boss whose future is in doubt, and he faces the daunting task of taking his team to Barnsley, who are fresh off the back of last Saturday's spectacular 5-0 win at St Andrew's.

Bolton boss Owen Coyle is convinced his side's season is clicking into gear as the Trotters prepare to meet Crystal Palace at the Reebok Stadium.

Coyle said: "We know we have been playing well since the international break. Now moving into two home games, we have to use our win last week to drive us forward."

Neil Warnock's Leeds will look to build on their Capitol One Cup upset of Everton as they travel to Ashton Gate to face Bristol City.

Middlesbrough must face Leicester without Muzzy Carayol, who faces up to four months out with a knee injury, while Nigel Pearson has named a fully-fit squad.

Blackpool will look to get their season back on track after last week's surprise loss to Huddersfield as they travel to Cardiff, while struggling Millwall go to Turf Moor to face Burnley.

Wolves will aim to make it four wins in a row as they meet Sheffield Wednesday at Molineux, while on-loan Jermaine Jenas could feature in Nottingham Forest's clash with neighbours Derby on Sunday.