Shane Duffy has backed Albion to deal with a tall order at Preston today against the Championship’s Peter Crouch.

Lanky Simon Makienok poses a big threat to the Seagulls’ long unbeaten league run at Deepdale.

The 6ft 7in Dane came off the bench to rob Albion of three points with a last-gasp equaliser in a 2-2 draw at the Amex in October.

Former Charlton and Palermo beanpole Makienok has played a part in four of Preston’s last six goals, scoring twice and providing two assists.

Duffy has to cope without his normal centre-half partner Lewis Dunk, who is suspended, as Albion attempt to stretch their undefeated sequence to 19 matches.

The Argus:

Shane Duffy tussles with Simon Makienok at the Amex earlier this season

Duffy said: “They are a physical team. The big man came on and scored the goal for them. It’s different to what we have been playing against, teams that play and are trying to get in behind you, but this is the Championship and you’ve got to expect stuff like that.

“We’ll be prepared for it and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”

The completion of Dunk’s two-match ban breaks a partnership with Duff which has helped Albion to eight victories and five clean sheets in the last ten games since Connor Goldson deputised in the 1-0 win at Wigan in October.

Duffy said: “I’ve talked about Lewis a lot and you can put him in that category as the best centre-half in the Championship.

“He could definitely do it in the top league and Connor has the potential to be a Premier League player as well.”

Lancastrian Dale Stephens makes the 250th start of his career and midfield partner Oliver Norwood his 250th appearance.