Albion try to resume winning ways against Luton at Withdean today without Danny Cullip.

The captain limped off with a hamstring injury just eight minutes into Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Barnsley, the Seagulls' first of the season.

Cullip hurt himself trying to defend a cross after a throw out by goalkeeper Ben Roberts had been intercepted.

His absence proved costly as Kevin Betsy headed the winner in the second half for Barnsley from a free-kick.

Boss Steve Coppell said: "We are not a big side and losing Danny is a blow to us.

"He is very much our leader and organiser of the back four and he is also very good in the air.

"It left a hole and I know he would have organised us at that free-kick."

The latest bulletin on Cullip's injury is encouraging. Coppell added: "He won't play today but we don't think it is a deep-rooted strain so we are not looking at three to four weeks."

Sasa Ilic, who started his career in England with Sussex non-League side Stamco, made a superb 88th-minute save from a Simon Rodger header after Barnsley midfielder Steve Lumsdon had been sent-off for a second bookable offence.

Roberts, formerly at Charlton with Ilic, said: "It was a great save and I told him that afterwards. It didn't surprise me, Sasa is a good keeper.

"It's a minor blip for us. We have won three and lost one now and we have got to back on track with a win back at Withdean."

Rodger is also doubtful today with a groin injury sustained in the second half at Barnsley but Paul Watson is expected to play despite recurring problems with sore foot arches.

Brian Horton's Port Vale are the only team with a 100 per cent League record after three games.

Luton also surrendered their perfect start on Saturday by losing at home to Grimsby.

Coppell said: "We've got the chance within 48 hours to put things right.

"We know it is going to be a difficult game. I've said from day one this is the most open division of all and I maintain that.

"No side seems to be outstanding. The games will be very close and they will be decided by a touch of individual brilliance, a mistake or set piece."

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