Dale Stephens is hoping a Huddersfield trip is coming at the right time for Albion – after their chasing by Liverpool.

The Seagulls midfielder believes lessons learnt against Jurgen Klopp’ up-tempo Reds can prove precious at the John Smith’s Stadium.

Huddersfield have progressed from the Championship under the guidance of Klopp’s former colleague at Borussia Dortmund, David Wagner.

Their brand of Klopp’s self-proclaimed “heavy metal football” swept Albion to a 3-1 defeat when the teams met in February.

But Stephens, a goalscorer at Huddersfield in his Charlton days, hopes they are better attuned this time.

Asked whether the Liverpool game offered the perfect preparation, Stephens said: “You could say so. Their philosophy is similar.

“They are a high-pressing team, a high-energy team and we will do our homework and set out a team to win the game.”

Stephens believes ex-Huddersfield loanee Izzy Brown has put himself in the frame for further outings after his lively start against Liverpool.

He said: “Izzy has waited patiently for his chance.

“He has all the ability you need to play at this level and hopefully that is the first of many appearances for him.”

Wagner will be without long-term injured trio Michael Hefele, Jon Gorenc Stankovic and Philip Billing while former Albion winger Rajiv Van La Parra completes a three-match ban.