Match preview: Brighton vs Birmingham City

Gus Poyet will be without in-form striker Craig Mackail-Smith meaning he may given a first start to new signing Stephen Dobbie.

Mackail-Smith has bee enjoying a hot streak of form so far this term, with six goals already, but limped off with a hamstring injury in the early stages of the Albion’s recent win at Millwall.

Flying full back Bruno may also be rested after falling foul of a groin problem during the same game, with his fellow countryman Inigo Calderon preparing to deputise in his favoured right back slot.

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Andrew Crofts will undergo a late check on a hamstring strain as Poyet may be forced to shuffle his pack, something he has been reluctant to do during his side’s climb to the top of the Championship.

Brum boss Lee Clarke will be looking to his players for a response to the club’s 5v1 home drubbing by Barnsley but may be without Marlon King, who has missed a large chunk of training this week.

Former Crystal Palace player Hayden Mullins is a doubt while Stephen Carr, David Murphy and Pablo Ibanez are facing lengthy spells on the sidelines.

One likely change will be the introduction of new signing Paul Robinson and left back, while Curtis Davies is expected to return to the heart of the defence.