Albion want to turn Withdean into a fortress.

That is the message from defender Paul Watson as the Seagulls prepare for tomorrow's first home match of the season against Rochdale.

Albion lost six times in front of their own fans in the League last season, including an amazing 4-3 defeat by Rochdale just before Christmas.

But they are unbeaten at Withdean for nine games since Leyton Orient prevailed 1-0 back in mid-January.

Watson and his team-mates are keen to keep the run going after the disappointment of last Saturday's opening 2-0 defeat at Southend.

"It's very important that we make Withdean a fortress," Watson said. "Teams that get promoted always have a good home record.

"We did well towards the end of last season at Withdean and it means a lot to us to get something out of this game, especially after last Saturday's result.

"Everyone was absolutely gutted about that. The gaffer has trained the lads hard this week and we don't want another few weeks like that, so we are all out to put things right."

Watson expects to be fit, despite a double injury at Southend. The Hastings-born rightback hurt an ankle and knee ligaments when his studs caught in the turf in the closing stages.

"I've had three days treatment, I trained yesterday and it seemed fine," he revealed. "I think I'll be allright if selected."

Danny Cullip and Nathan Jones complete two-match bans tomorrow, while Lee Steele is sidelined by an ankle injury.

Rochdale, held 1-1 at home by promotion favourites Darlington last Saturday, include experienced central defender Keith Hill.

He finished joint top of the bad boys table last season with one red card and 13 bookings.

Albion (from): Cartwright; Kuipers; Watson, Mayo, Carr, Crosby, Rogers, Hart, Oatway, Brooker, Carpenter, Zamora, Melton, Freeman, Aspinall, Ramsay, Thomas.

Rochdale (from): Edwards; Evans, Todd, Bayliss, Hill, Ford, Flitcroft, Ware, Davies, Platt, Ellis, Lancashire, Hadland, Hamilton, Oliver, Priestley, Monington.