Guy Butters warned Albion today that they face a big battle at Stoke against one of his former managers.

Butters warns it will be tough at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday against the towering team put together by Tony Pulis, his former boss at Gillingham.

"They are a typical Tony Pulis side, big and strong, so we know we are going to have a battle on our hands," said the Seagulls' veteran centre half.

"I know what Tony is all about and you can guarantee they are going to be fit and up for the game."

Butters is relieved Stoke no longer have his former Gillingham team-mate Ade Akinbiyi, who was controversially sold to Burnley last week for £600,000.

Former Seagull Akinbiyi scored the only goal when the sides met at Withdean in December.

"He scored right near the end, although we felt Dan Harding was pushed by Ade," Butters said.

"He harries defenders and is strong and quick, but Stoke have got a decent squad without him.

"They have Gifton Noel-Williams up front, so it is still going to be a difficult game. The last thing we want is for them to do the double over us."

Albion manager Mark McGhee is contemplating a return to the starting line-up for captain Charlie Oatway, with Adam Virgo completing a two-match ban.

"I'm happier with Chris McPhee being available again after injury and if Virgs was playing I would really fancy us," McGhee said.

"We've got to look at all options and see how we play. Away from home we have got to consider Charlie."