Terry Burton has warned Albion that Watford will not be just fodder for their survival bid.

The Hornets assistant says there could be a nasty sting in the relegation tale for the Seagulls at Withdean on Saturday.

Watford are safe in mid-table, while Steve Coppell's men must win to keep alive any chance of catching Stoke.

Burton, interviewed last summer for the Albion vacancy, said: "It would be understandable if the thought went through the heads of Brighton fans that we have nothing to play for.

"We should be relaxed and can enjoy the game and play our football.

"Brighton might be on edge and uptight. They have got a hell of a lot to play for, so the motivation is there, but we have played very well in our last few games and it's nice to be involved in a match which matters, rather than one with nothing riding on it.

"We've chopped and changed the team around. People are now vying for places for next season."

Burton is No. 2 to Ray Lewington, one of Coppell's closest friends in football.

"You feel for your mates when things are not going well and Ray will be wishing Steve all the best, but we want Watford to win every game," Burton said.

"If we send Brighton down I'm sure it won't affect their friendship one little bit. You go down over a season, not just one game."

Burton experienced relegation from the Premiership with Wimbledon when he took charge for their last two games three seasons ago.

Dean Blackwell, Neil Ardley and Marcus Gayle all played in a closing defeat at Southampton which, coupled with a home win for Bradford against Liverpool, sent the Dons down.

Albion centre half Blackwell will be on the opposite team to Ardley and Gayle on Saturday and Burton could have been as well.

He was interviewed by Dick Knight during the close season but the Albion chairman never got back in touch with him.

"I've followed Brighton's results all season and I've wanted them to do well," Burton said.

"It was always going to be difficult for them. I am sure supporters are thankful they have still got an outside chance where as at one stage they had no chance."