Albion have handed Jonathan Obika his first start for the club as they face an FA Cup battle.

His introduction in place of the rested Leo Ulloa for today’s fourth-round tie at sodden Port Vale is one of seven changes to the side which lost at Derby last week.

Young winger Solly March is brought back for his second senior start having impressed against Reading in the third round.

Inigo Calderon returns in place of the rested Bruno and skippers the side Perhaps most surprisingly, Matt Upson is not among the players given a breather.

Andrea Orlandi gets another chance to build his match fitness after starting at the iPro Stadium.

Conditions will be tricky after a violent hailstorm swept across Vale Park at about 1.30pm, further drenching an already wet pitch.

Albion: Brezovan; Calderon, Dunk, Upson, Chicksen; Ince, Agustien, Forster-Caskey; Orlandi, Obika, March. Subs: Ankergren, Ward, Andrews, Bruno, Greer, LuaLua, Ulloa.