Danny Cullip is facing a fitness fight as Albion aim to end their agonising League run.

The influential central defender is battling to recover from a thigh injury for Saturday's trip to rock-bottom Chester. Cullip missed training yesterday and is not expected to return until Thursday.

Keith McPherson took his place in last Saturday's unfortunate 1-0 defeat at promotion contenders Northampton. Former Brentford stopper Cullip has been virtually an ever-present since scoring on his debut in the 3-2 home defeat against Chester in September.

The uncertainty surrounding his availability is one of several selection issues confronting manager Micky Adams for the visit to the Deva Stadium. Centre half Darren Carr served a one-match suspension at Northampton and he has now recovered from a calf injury.

Paul Rogers, Albion's skipper and midfielder, seems sure to return to the side seeking a first win in ten matches against the relegation favourites. He also missed the Northampton defeat because of a one-match ban.

Carr and the out-of-favour Dave Cameron are expected to figure in the reserves against Bournemouth at Dean Court tomorrow (2pm).

Albion are so far behind with their fixtures that the result will count for both the Combination League and Cup. If the sides are level at 90 minutes the draw will apply for League purposes, with extra-time then deciding who progresses in the Cup.

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