WARREN Aspinall is back in contention for a place in Albion's starting line-up against one of his old clubs.

Aspinall and Ryan Palmer are vying to deputise for injured Italian striker Lorenzo Pinamonte in tonight's Auto Windscreens Shield tie against below-strength Bournemouth at Dean Court.

Bournemouth normally play with five in midfield so manager Micky Adams is toying with the idea of switching back to 5-3-2, bringing an extra man into the middle to support Paul Rogers and Charlie Oatway.

That would rest between Aspinall and former Fulham youngster Palmer, who made an encouraging debut at Swansea last month.

Aspinall has a point to prove to Bournemouth boss Mel Machin in a competition which he has thrived in previously.

"I went on loan to Bournemouth at first before Tony Pulis made it permanent," he said.

"Once he got the sack Mel Machin came in and I didn't figure in his plans.

"I am hoping to get my place back, but that's up to the manager. I've won the competition twice before, with Carlisle and Wigan.

"It's a good moneyspinner, so we want to knuckle down and get a result."

Albion upset a full-strength Millwall in the last round and Bournemouth's squad is ripped to shreds by a combination of injuries and suspension.

But they were runners-up two years ago and Adams insists the odds are still stacked against the Seagulls.

"They have got a few injuries, but let's not kid ourselves," said Adams.

"It is never easy against higher opposition.

"We have got to be positive and believe we can go there and win, but they start as favourites.

"They are in the top half of the Second Division and at home, so I am sure their fans, manager and players will expect to go through."

Golden goal extra-time and then penalties come into play if the scores are level at the end of 90 minutes, with a place in the quarter-finals of the southern section awaiting the winners.

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