Albion boss Steve Coppell is without influential skipper Danny Cullip for his first match in charge.

The new Seagulls' supremo looks set to start with a centre back pairing of Guy Butters and Adam Virgo.

Coppell is also without five players, including Paul Kitson, Nathan Jones and Martin Hinshelwood's last signing, John Piercy.

Kitson is recovering after undergoing minor surgery on his back on Tuesday.

Coppell has admitted his team selection will be a "stab in the dark" which could see recalls for Gary Hart and Charlie Oatway.

Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock brings his high-fliers to Withdean on the back of two convincing wins which have seen the Blades climb to sixth in the League.

Warnock's side have climbed the table despite missing some key personnel, including frontman Peschisolido who has been sidelined with an achilles injury. His strike partner Onuora is also sidelined with a similar injury.

The two-week layoff has helped ease the injury list though and Carl Asaba, Steve Yates and Rob Kozluk all returned to action in the reserves in midweek.