Albion boss Steve Coppell has challenged his players to send a survival signal to their relegation rivals in tonight's crunch clash at Stoke.

A fourth win in five games will carry the Seagulls four points clear of their opponents and heighten the anxiety for fellow strugglers Sheffield Wednesday and Grimsby.

Coppell said: "If we got the three points against Stoke then that would just give us that little bit of a cushion over them, beyond one game, which makes a difference as the games run out.

"It would also give a signal to the other two teams at the bottom, Sheffield Wednesday and Grimsby, that we are more than competitive at this level.

"If you split the First Division up into its respective levels there are probably about four or five groups and we are firmly in the bottom group, but if we can get a result out of this game then we will be at the top end of that bottom group.

"It could be decided by inches by the end of the season. Each and every point you get is a massive milestone."

The Seagulls recovered from the heaviest defeat of Coppell's reign, the 5-0 capitulation against Crystal Palace, by beating Bradford in their next match.

He is confident of a similar response to the second-biggest loss during his five months in charge, last Saturday's 3-0 setback at Gillingham, especially with Bobby Zamora back from a ban.

"We are going there in a determined frame of mind and we will be giving it our best shot," Coppell pledged.

"This is the most buoyant set of players I've ever known. They bounce back from everything. I don't think last Saturday's result will affect anybody.

"We had some good opportunities against Gillingham and didn't take them. Maybe if Bobby had been there it might have been a different story.

"He is a huge source of danger for us and I'm sure all opponents have a great deal of respect for him. They know that with him we are a far stronger outfit than without him.

"Stoke will be desperate to really take the game to us. I know Tony Pulis and his teams are always very competitive. I am expecting a fast, frenetic and furious 90 minutes."

Coppell's solitary selection poser is the identity of Zamora's partner. Loan signing from Reading Tony Rougier, inspired by his previous spell with Stoke's bitter rivals Port Vale, is expected to get the nod in preference to goal-shy Graham Barrett.

Albion are still above the relegation zone after Grimsby lost 4-1 at home to Sheffield United last night.

Grimsby's cause was not helped by a red card for Alan Pouton, who will now have to serve a suspension.

Sheffield Wednesday, bottom and three points adrift of Albion, entertain Coventry tonight.

Portsmouth lost 2-1 to Wimbledon last night Albion have frozen prices for existing season ticket holders providing they renew for next season before March 31.

All season ticket holders will receive a letter in the next few days which will contain full details and an application form.