Albion are poised to name their strongest ever bench at Stoke as they try to cope with mounting odds against promoted clubs in the Premier League.

Chris Hughton’s back-up options have been increased by the captures last month of Leo Ulloa, returning on loan from Leicester, and record signing Jurgen Locadia.

The pair could feature among the substitutes for the clash at the bet365 Stadium.

Ulloa, Solly March and Beram Kayal were brought off the bench in last week’s 3-1 home win against West Ham.

Tim Krul, fit-again skipper Bruno (pictured), Connor Goldson and Sam Baldock were unused against the Hammers.

The Argus:

Anthony Knockaert could be back on the bench if Hughton reverts to March, who played on the right in the last away game at Southampton.

Baldock is a likely victim of the extra firepower provided by Ulloa and ex PSV Eindhoven goalscorer Locadia, in the squad for the first time after recovering from hamstring trouble.

Huddersfield, promoted with Albion, have dropped into the bottom three with 12 games to go. Newcastle, taken up by Hughton eight years ago, are also embroiled in the tight battle for survival in the bottom half of the table.

Hughton said: “I think the gap between the Premier League and the Championship is greater now than it was then. You have only got to look at the spending power of the Premier League clubs.

“Credit at this moment to the three clubs that have come up. I would like to think we have all been prepared enough and able to use the markets well enough to give ourselves a chance.

“But I certainly think that gap has got bigger.”