Albion's trip to promotion rivals Rochdale on Saturday is already in doubt.

Several inches of snow have fallen in Lancashire overnight.

A spokeswoman for Rochdale said today they will be getting in touch with match referee Peter Walton later today about carrying out an early inspection.

She added: "I don't think there is a hope in hell of the game going ahead."

If the game does beat the freeze, defender Matthew Wicks will face a battle to be fit.

Wicks missed the Boxing Day triumph at Barnet with a hamstring strain sustained in the first half of last Friday's Withdean win against Exeter.

He is under intensive treatment and if he recovers is likely to be recalled to the heart of the defence in place of Andy Crosby.

Manager Micky Adams said: "It is not a major problem and Matthew has a chance of being fit for Saturday.

"I think Andy Crosby needs games. He has been plugging away in the reserves."

Bobby Zamora seems certain to return to spearhead the attack at Spotland. Albion's 16-goal wonder boy was banned from the 1-0 victory at Barnet.

Rochdale's win by the same score against Hull on Boxing Day kept them fifth, seven points behind Albion with a game in hand.

They have only lost once at home in the League, but in-form Gary Hart believes the Seagulls are equipped to beat them.

Hart, fresh from two goals in as many matches, said: "We have come out of the doldrums with two wins on the spin again. I think with the pace we've got and the quality of Bobby we can break any team down."

Albion now have a seven point cushion in the automatic promotion places, but Adams said: "People get carried away with this period and I don't particularly like it."