Albion boss Micky Adams is bracing himself for a test of squad strength as the Seagulls try to 'Dodge' a first defeat of the season.

They take on Tranmere at Prenton Park tomorrow without skipper Paul Rogers and fellow midfielder Charlie Oatway.

Rogers serves a one-match suspension after his controversial red card at Cambridge on the opening day, while Oatway completes a three-match ban.

Adams is particularly concerned about losing Rogers, not least because of his height in defensive situations.

"It's a blow, because 'Dodge' has looked as fit as anybody at the start of the season," Adams said.

"He is another marker that we lose as well and we are very wary of the threat Tranmere present from Dave Challinor's long throws.

"When things are going reasonably well, like now, I am loathed to change the side, but I've got to.

"We talk about having a decent squad and we are going to find out if we have or not."

Adams is considering three options. He could use Steve Melton or Geoff Pitcher in a straight swap for Rogers, or move Simon Morgan into midfield and recall Andy Crosby to partner stand-in skipper Danny Cullip in the centre of defence.

Adams must also decide whether to start with Liverpool-born Lee Steele up front at the expense of German Dirk Lehmann.

The absence of Rogers and Oatway means a return to the squad for Albion's own long throw expert Kerry Mayo. Last season's regular leftback was omitted from the opening three matches.

Tranmere lost their first two League games under new manager Dave Watson, but they beat Shrewsbury 3-1 at home in the Worthington Cup on Tuesday.

"I am sure that win will have given them a big lift," Adams warned. "Teams that get relegated often make slow starts and I expect them to be up there challenging.

"In cup games last season they were as good as anybody. Their League form suffered and that can happen. Players get excited about cup football and forget the main task is the League."