Derby could bring their skipper back to face Albion today.

And they are likely to give their defence some extra protection as they look for a first win in four games.

Centre-back and captain Richard Keogh has made good progress from a knee injury which has kept him out of the last five games, only one of which has been won.

John Eustace was left out of the 4-1 hammering at Leicester last Friday and was missed.

The steady former Watford central midfielder, who can provide such an effective screen in front of the back four, is likely to return today.

Derby tend to go 4-3-3 and must decide whether they give Chelsea youngster Patrick Bamford a first start wide of main striker Chris Martin.

Teenage playmaker Will Hughes remains their man to watch in a roaming midfield role.

Rams boss Steve McLaren knows what to expect from the Seagulls.

He said: “They were in the play offs last season and should have gone through to the final.

“They have had some changes but they have got good players.

“They’ve had a few players injured who are coming back now, they are a good team.

“This will be a very difficult game for our players and one in which at times we will need to dig in, at times play our football, but most importantly concentrate on what we do best and no so much the opponent.”

Don't miss our Derby scouting report, plus an in-depth look at Albion's history against the Rams, in our five-page match preview in The Argus today