Albion's visit to Blackpool on Saturday is the biggest game so far of Chris Hughton's reign, bigger than Arsenal.

The FA Cup was a nice diversion from the real task for Hughton - keeping the Seagulls in the Championship.

The circumstances surrounding the battle of the seaside resorts could hardly be more contrasting.

The crowd at the Bloomfield Stadium will be a fraction of the record attendance for Arsenal's visit.

The pitch is messy and tighter than the manicured expanses of the Amex.

And Albion will be widely expected not to put up a good fight but to win.

Blackpool, adrift at the foot of the table, have just been walloped 7-2 at Watford. They caved in, conceding seven goals in 34 second half minutes after leading 2-0 at the break.

The first half scoreline at Vicarage Road is a reminder that it will not be easy for Albion. Games in the Championship rarely are.

Blackpool beat Millwall in their last home outing, and Birmingham last month, but there is no disguising the invitation of a third successive away win in the league - and second under Hughton - following the victories at Fulham and Charlton.

Pull it off and Albion will put meaningful breathing space between themselves and the relegation places.

Lose and they could be back in trouble, uncomfortably close to the drop zone again. That's why it is bigger than Arsenal.