Albion have been praised for standing strong in defence during a season of upheaval. Robert Sanchez has earned particular credit in a campaign which has seen various defenders suffer significant absences or leave the club altogether. Only four teams have conceded fewer away goals than the Seagulls, who visit Wolves tomorrow (3pm). Albion have nine clean sheets so far this season with four games to go.
Graham Potter said: “That has been one of the things I’ve been most pleased with, that despite the fact we’ve got key defensive players missing, we’ve managed to perform well as a defensive unit and that’s another factor that makes it harder for Rob. If you speak to most goalkeepers, they will want consistency ahead of them. They want that stability and I understand, it’s all those things, he has not been able to have that for different reasons. It’s credit to him he has still managed to help us with points. I saw a stat the other day that he’s only behind Alisson (Becker of Liverpool) in one-v-one saves in the league. He has helped us keep clean sheets. He’s a young goalkeeper who, like us all, will make mistakes. But generally his level is really good and he’s only going to get better.”
Tariq Lamptey is likely to return to the matchday squad after missing the 2-2 draw with Southampton because of a minor knee injury. Lamptey trained yesterday and Albion were waiting to see whether he felt any adverse reaction. Potter will not be rotating his squad with mid-table safety pretty much secured.
Graham Potter said: “For me it’s pick our strongest team and try and compete for the three points, that’s the priority. I think I’d be doing everybody a disservice if I wasn’t thinking that way. We have to pick the team that we think gives us the best chance of winning because every point in this league is important, so valuable. The guys were competing in a really good training session today – everyone wants to play. So you know that and then it’s just about picking what you think is the team that gives us the best chance.”
