Graham Potter believes Albion can pass another test of their defensive strength as they meet their old rivals at the Amex.

The Seagulls will be missing wing-backs Tariq Lamptey and Solly March as well as, in all likelihood, centre-back Adam Webster when they face Crystal Palace (8pm, Sky Sports).

That could mean midfielder Steven Alzate being used again in a partly defensive role on the left, as was the case last time out against Aston Villa.

Dan Burn, an obvious contender to replace March at left wing-back, could play a more central role if Webster (ankle) misses out.

Albion boss Potter said: “I wouldn’t say it’s a headache.

“It’s just part of the challenges of the job.

“You are always looking for the right balance in the team and you have to deal with the fact that sometimes players are missing.

“Then you have to make an adaptation to the team based on the different attributes that come in.

"I think we did it quite well against Aston Villa with Steven there.

“It’s something we will keep looking at and make sure we get the right balance in the team.”

Albion tweaked the wing-back role slightly for Alzate as he helped keep Villa quiet.

Potter said: “We adjusted it a little bit in terms of Joel (Veltman) was probably a right-back defensively and Steven was more of a left midielder - but you have to do that.

“The attributes of the players mean you have to make those little adjustments but I think the boys had a really good understanding of what they were trying to do defensively.

“Steven has done well. He is an option there.

“We have got a couple of other options as well and how we structure the team.
“That’s the most important thing.”