Brighton could have on-loan Arsenal forward Chuba Akpom back in contention for the visit of Derby, live on Sky Sports on Friday.

Akpom missed last Saturday's defeat at Nottingham Forest and midweek 2-0 win at Rotherham due to a minor knee problem.

However, he has returned to training and could feature as the Seagulls look to move level on points with Newcastle at the top of the Sky Bet Championship.

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Brighton have only lost twice at the Amex Stadium in the league this season, and manager Chris Hughton said: "Our home form has always been key to the position we've had in this division, particularly over the last couple of seasons in my time here.

"We certainly put great importance on that, but we're in a division where the teams at the top end are pushing very hard at the moment.

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"You have to keep the mindset of winning your home games, but we also know we've got away games where we'll have to get victories as well."

Brighton defender Shane Duffy is expected to be out for at least six weeks following surgery on his fractured ankle.

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Norway centre-back Vegard Forren has joined the promotion-chasing Seagulls on a deal until the end of the season, so could come into contention, while Sebastien Pocognoli (groin) and fellow defender Gaetan Bong (knee) continue their recovery.

Derby have won just one of their last eight Championship matches to slip down to 10th in the table.

What's wrong with Derby?

We analyse the slump in form that has derailed the Rams' promotion push.

They could have defender Richard Keogh available again after he missed the last three games with a calf injury.

Rams boss Steve McClaren will make a late call on his fitness along with that of midfielder Bradley Johnson, who picked up a knock to his shin during Tuesday's 1-1 draw against Preston.

Jason Shackell, though, remains sidelined by a back problem, while forward Nick Blackman (knee) is also still out.

Defender Craig Forsyth (knee) and midfielder George Thorne (leg) are long-term absentees.

Watch Brighton v Derby live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 7pm on Friday. Or watch for £6.99 without a contract, on NOW TV.