Chris Hughton knows Brighton's promotion rivals will not let up in their pursuit of the Seagulls as they look to go back to the top of the Sky Bet Championship with victory at QPR on Friday.
Newcastle are once again the division's leaders having defeated Burton 1-0 on Wednesday night, though it was third-placed Huddersfield's victory over Norwich that commanded Hughton's attention.
The Terriers had lost back-to-back fixtures and appeared to be stuttering but got back on track against the Canaries to move nine points behind Brighton, whom they have a game in hand over.
And Huddersfield's triumph showed Hughton that his side cannot afford to ease up, even with the prize of Premier League football next season now tantalisingly close.
"I watched a chunk of the Huddersfield game and, of course, it was a big football night, so it's very difficult to avoid it," he said at his pre-match press conference.
"They were on the back of a couple of defeats and it was a difficult time for them, which we've all been through, but good sides bounce back from that.
"They bounced back against a top team, and it was a fairly emphatic win in the end. It was a big reminder that the competition round us is fierce and strong."
A trip to Loftus Road has proved fruitless for the previous four visitors, all of whom have been beaten by QPR, and Hughton thinks the Hoops are a far different proposition now they are under the management of Ian Holloway.
"QPR are a good side," he added.
"They're a changed team during Ian's time there after a difficult start, but I think the team know what he wants from them.
"He's very enthusiastic and I think that period of time working for Sky gave him that nice break away from the day-to-day pressures of management.
"He looks like he's really enjoying it again. They're playing some good football, and in the way that I think Ian wants to play."
Despite such strong home form, Rangers have suffered two 1-0 defeats in each of their matches after the international break.
Their Championship status for next term already appears to have been secured, given they have 50 points on the board, and defender Grant Hall sees the Brighton fixture as an acid test.
"I said before these three games that they would give us an idea of where we are at," he told www.qpr.co.uk.
"The reality is we've lost two so far which is disappointing but I don't think we are a million miles away from these teams. We weren't at it against Derby and deserved to lose but at Villa, we dominated for long spells.
"Brighton will provide the ultimate test with them where they are in the league."
Source: PA
