Defender Marnick Vermijl is not surprised by the success of league leaders Brighton and Hove Albion so far this season.
The Seagulls missed out on promotion in the Play-Offs last season but find themselves top of the pile in the Championship.
After a fantastic performance against Arsenal at the weekend, the squad have a full week of recovery and preparation ahead of the visit of Chris Hughton's side on Saturday.
"It's always tough, especially with the big games, you give something extra with the fans and everything. We have a free week for good training now and so we should hopefully be ready for Saturday."
On Saturday's opposition, he continued: "It doesn't surprise me where they are in the league, I always thought they would be up there.
"They are a really strong team, they have got good individual players who can decide a game but the team we have here is honest, hard working, and we have the individuals ourselves to decide a game.
"So hopefully we can get the three points at the weekend and go into the game at Aston Villa with a good feeling."
With a trip to Villa Park a week on Saturday, the 24-year-old is looking forward to another couple of big games for Simon Grayson's side.
"These are two big games again, everyone wants to watch them. The Aston Villa game will be tough as well, I think this season they are not where they are supposed to be.
"When you look at the players they have and the players they brought in in the summer then it should be a really good game."