Flying high as a Brighton fan? Felling good these days at Aston Villa since Steve Bruce's arrival?

Just how great are these two travelling at the moment? 

Share your thoughts with is by using the hashtag #bbcefl on Twitter.

Gabriel Agbonlahor's first start of the season seems to have surprised Aston Villa fans, but boss Steve Bruce has said the striker has been working hard on his fitness and deserves his chance after impressing against Blackburn as a substitute. Is he right? Let us know using #bbcefl on Twitter

Adam Virgo
Former Brighton defender on BBC Sussex

"I have been pleasantly surprised by their season so far and I think there is better to come, which is the most exciting thing. 

"Chris Hughton has signed experienced players and everything is looking really good for Brighton."

Image source, BBC Sport

• Only Newcastle (15) and Brighton (13) have taken more points in the five matches since Steve Bruce (11) took charge of Villa on 12 October.
• Only Nottingham Forest (17) have dropped more points from leading positions this season than Villa (15). 

Victory for Brighton tonight - to extend their 10-match unbeaten run in the league - will move them equal on points with leaders Newcastle United. (Victory by six goals or more takes them clear top... just saying).

A quick look at the numbers behind their form so far...

• Hosts Brighton are unbeaten in 10 Championship games.

• Brighton have suffered just one defeat in their past 19 league games at the Amex Stadium.
• Brighton have kept 11 clean sheets this season, four more than any other Championship team.

Image source, BBC Sport

Aston Villa forward Jordan Ayew returns after suspension, but only makes it onto the bench against Brighton, with Gabriel Agbonlahor in the starting line-up instead.

Australian midfielder Mile Jedinak has been assessed and passed fit to play after returning from international duty in Thailand.

For this one, Ross McCormack is banned.

Aston Villa: Gollini, Hutton, Chester, Baker, Amavi, Jedinak, Westwood, Adomah, Gardner, Kodjia, Agbonlahor.

Substitutes: Bunn, Elphick, Cissokho, Bacuna, Ayew, Grealish, Gestede.

The teams are in and we start with the hosts...

Brighton winger Anthony Knockaert returns after missing the 2-0 win at Bristol City following the death of his father.

The Seagulls remain without defender Liam Rosenior and midfielder Beram Kayal (both ankle).

Brighton: Stockdale; Bruno, Duffy, Dunk, Bong; Knockaert, Sidwell, Stephens, Skalak; Murray, Baldock.

Substitutes: Maenpaa (GK), Goldson, Pocognoli, Norwood, March, Murphy, Hemed.

Johnny Cantor
BBC Sussex commentator

"Brighton's Chris Hughton and Aston Villa's Steve Bruce are arguably the strongest Championship managers of recent times.

"Their current form seems to back up the argument; while the Seagulls have won four on the spin without conceding, Bruce has taken 11 points from a possible 15 with Villa.

"The return of Antony Knockaert after his father's funeral in France is a huge boost to provide a creative spark. However, the resilient Brighton defence which has conceded just nine times in the league this season with be tested by Villa's attacking strength.

"With only one league defeat in 19 at the Amex, the Seagulls will look to continue their excellent home form."

Image source, Rex Features

Colin Calderwood is being lined up as Aston Villa's new assistant manager after resigning from the same position at Championship rivals Brighton.

Ex-Northampton and Nottingham Forest boss Calderwood, 51, is a former Villa player and lives in Northampton - which would also mean a much shorter commute.

A Brighton statement said Calderwood, who was placed on gardening leave on 12 November, quit for a job "elsewhere".

This is the first league meeting between the sides for 33 years, having last played each other in March 1983 in a top-flight fixture - a 0-0 draw at the Goldstone Ground.

Last time these two sides did meet was the FA Cup fourth round in January 2010, with Villa winning 3-2 at home - a game in which current Villa defender Tommy Elphick scored for Brighton.

Image source, Getty Images

MERRY CHR... err, um Championship return! Yes, Merry Championship return! It is definitely a thing.

Yep, it's that time of year when the November international break is out of the way, thoughts haven't completely turned to the festive season, but you can indulge the footy fanatic in you by immersing yourself in the latest Championship action.

After 13 day without Championship football, Brighton & Hove Albion entertain Aston Villa tonight.

Brighton, second in the table and on a 10-match unbeaten league run, are up against a Villa side rejuvenated by boss Steve Bruce and looking to extend their own unbeaten run to six matches.

Stay with us as we bring you pre-match build-up, team news and all the action and reaction from the Amex Stadium.

Image source, Getty Images

* It was going to be a Christmas-free post, but these shoes... these SHOES!