Lewis Dunk can give Albion something to shout about – as they chase a landmark win.

The skipper comes straight back in at Aston Villa today (3pm, BT Sport) on his 29th birthday after a three-match ban.

Albion could secure the club’s first-ever win at Villa Park at the 13th attempt.

Dunk has been praised for his communication skills, although he is not the loudest member of the team.

Head coach Graham Potter has highlighted the huge part his captains plays on the pitch.

He said: “Communication is not just verbal. It’s non-verbal as well in terms of how we play as a team, the attacking and defending ideas we have.

“I think he understands those, I think he helps with those on the pitch by how he plays football.

“When I mean communication I mean the whole thing about making the team play better. I think he has a big role to play in that.”

Albion only conceded three goals in the captain’s three-match absence, including a contentious penalty at Tottenham.

Potter’s call to bring back Dunk was straightforward but the decision over who to leave out could be tougher.

The Seagulls boss said: “We were doing quite well when Lewis was in and we did quite well when Lewis was out.

“So, yes, it will be a difficult decision as always.

“The tough part of the job is when you have good players who have e earned to play but don’t play because you make a different decision.

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“That’s part of the life of being a footballer, certainly at the highest level.

“We need to make sure as a team we can do the things we ha e been doing well and just try to improve and get that bit of margin our way and bit of luck hopefully.

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“But the key is the performance level and Lewis as our captain and one of our best players brings a lot to the team that maybe others don’t in terms of his understanding of what we are trying to do and his role in the group.”