Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez insists Championship history with Brighton counts for nothing as rivals prepare for Premier League battle

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Rafa Benitez will set off for Brighton insisting a revenge mission will the the last thing on opposite number Chris Hughton's mind.

The two clubs went head-to-head in the race for the Championship title last season, with the Magpies pipping the Seagulls on a dramatic final day after a remarkable late run.

But Benitez, who guided his men to a double over the runners-up on their way to promotion, insists history will count for nothing when the pair meet in the Premier League on Sunday.

Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion were title rivals in the Championship last season

The two teams met twice, with Newcastle winning both games - in August and then February 

He said: 'No, I think it will be totally different. Obviously, they have a manager with experience also in the Premier League. Last year was last year, it was another competition, everything will be different.

'It will be tough for us because it's the Premier League and we know every game will be tough for us, but at the same time, we have confidence we can get three points.

'We know each other really well and it will be difficult for both.'

Newcastle travelled south on the back of three successive league victories, while the hosts have managed only one from their five outings to date.

But Benitez admits there could be little to choose between the teams despite the Magpies currently sitting in fourth place with Brighton hovering just above the relegation zone.

Newcastle eventually pipped Brighton to win the league on the final day of the season

But Rafa Benitez says that counts for nothing ahead of Sunday's Premier League meeting

He said: 'The level of the teams could be similar. We have won three games in a row - they could do the same at any time, hopefully not starting this weekend.

'We knew them in the Championship and they are a good team. They can do well, we can do well, but sometimes it depends on the momentum.

'We are now in a good position. We think we can win but we won't go there as favourites. We will try to compete, to win.

'Are we confident we can do it? Yes, but at the same time, they will have the same feeling.'

Hughton, of course, took his first steps on the managerial ladder at St James' Park, but Benitez, who will send his team out against former employers Liverpool next weekend, knows that will all be forgotten for 90 minutes at least.

He said: 'You have good memories and it's a little bit emotional - but at the same time, you want to win. I'm sure that Chris will try to win against us and I will try to win next week.

'You are professional and then you have your feelings, but still you have to do your job.'