Hammond and Buckley in for Albion (From The Argus)

Hammond and Buckley in for Albion

7:05pm Friday 14th September 2012 in Sport By Brian Owen

Dean Hammond is back in the Albion team after a gap of more than four-and-a-half years.

The former Seagulls skipper, who rejoined the club on loan from Southampton recently, plays at home to Sheffield Wednesday tonight.

Hammond replaces the injured Andrew Crofts in midfield as one of two changes to the team which kicked off the 3-1 win at Burnley last time out.

The other sees Will Buckley start in place of Kazenga LuaLua.

Stephen Dobbie and David Lopez hope for Albion debuts coming off the bench.

Wednesday give first starts to defender Martin Taylor and striker Jay Bothroyd, brought in on loan recently from Watford and QPR respectively.

Former Albion loanee Joe Mattock makes a belated debut in defence following his summer switch from West Brom.

The Owls signed Everton youngster Ross Barkley on a month’s loan this morning. He will be on the bench.

Tonight’s match has been declared a sell-out, setting an attendance record for The Amex.

It will attract Albion’s biggest home league crowd for at least 31 years.

The crowd could be their best at home in all competitions since 28,800 saw them beat Norwich in the FA Cup at the Goldstone Ground in March 1983.

Albion: Kuszczak; Bruno, Greer, El-Abd, Bridge; Bridcutt, Hammond, Dicker; Buckley, Mackail-Smith, Barnes. Subs: Ankergren, Dunk, Dobbie, Orlandi, Calderon, Lopez, LuaLua.

Wednesday: Kirkland; Beevers, Taylor, Llera, Mattock; Antonio, Semedo, McCabe, J.Johnson; Rodri, Bothroyd. Subs: Bywater, Madine, Maguire, O’Grady, Pecnik, Lee, Barkley.

Ref: Nigel Miller (Co Durham)