Gus Poyet has urged a record-breaking crowd to help Albion continue their impressive form at The Amex this season.

The Seagulls host Cardiff in their first home game of the campaign tonight, boosted by the return of Vicente and an expanded capacity.

The Welshmen only requested a five per cent allocation but the new upper tier in the east stand and extra seats in the south stand mean the attendance is likely to exceed The Amex high of 21,897 against Liverpool in the League Cup last season.

That was among only five defeats in 28 matches for the Seagulls on home turf, a formidable record Poyet is keen to maintain after Saturday’s unfortunate 1-0 defeat at Hull.

Poyet said: “It’s always key. For me on Saturday the best ten minutes for Hull was after Aluko hit the crossbar from nowhere. That created a bit of atmosphere and the people had a good feeling and they had a go at us for ten minutes, which means the crowd helped the players go to another level.

“If we play the same way we did on Saturday at The Amex it could be incredible. It could create an absolutely magnificent atmosphere.

“You need that sometimes, because we are human beings. The idea, without any doubt, is to be very strong at home and keep performing away, then we will get points sooner or later.”

Vicente is available after missing Hull with an inflamed thigh tendon but winger Will Buckley (hamstring) will be saved for Saturday’s visit by Barnsley, despite impressing in training yesterday.