Albion can do red-carded Yves Bissouma a favour by winning in the Carabao Cup.
Bissouma faces a three-match ban after catching Jamal Lewis in the face late in yesterday’s win at Newcastle.
But he might only have to sit out one Premier League fixture – at home to Manchester United on Saturday.
His suspension covers Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie at Preston.
If Albion go through, the Mali midfielder would miss the fourth-round tie at home to United (again) or Luton next week.
That would clear him to face Everton at Goodison Park and a potentially intriguing tussle with James Rodriguez.
READ MORE: Player ratings from Albion's win at Newcastle
Bissouma apologised to Lewis before leaving the field and again via social media last night.
Potter said: “Speaking to the guys and knowing Yves, I don't think he would have done anything with intent.
“We're 3-0 up, he doesn't need to be violent. It's one of those things.
"Hopefully they can look at that and there is probably a difference with violent conduct in terms of intent or if it's just an accident from not a good, controlled action."
Bissouma impressed in a central midfield fulcrum with Steven Alzate while others played wide and ahead of them.
Dale Stephens or Davy Propper could now come in to partner Alzate although Ben White is also a deep-lying midfield option.
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