Lifelong Albion fan Dave Bucknall thinks the Seagulls have victory sewn up against Palace tonight.

The taxi driver, from Brighton, will be taking along a giant flag, made from 12 Seagulls banners stitched together with the help of his son William, 14.

He is planning to unfurl his colossal creation during the pre-match warm-up to be held aloft by fans.

He said: “It would be an incredible story if we were able to make it to the Premier League. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.

“This is where the fans come in to make the stadium really rock.

“The great thing about this club is that the community spirit runs very much from the board all the way down to the fans, and that means so much. Everyone is together, just like a family.

“We have been through many bleak days and if anyone deserves to go up, it’s us.”

Dave’s son Edward, 13, said he felt “pretty confident” that Albion were going to make it all the way to Wembley.

He said: “I think the first team to score will probably win it and I think it’ll be us.”

Brother William said victory would be “incredible” and predicted a 3-1 Albion win.

He said: “It would be amazing if we were to make it to the Premier League. If we do it I think lots more young people in the city would start supporting the club.

“They might have to build another new stadium to fit them all in!”