Simon Rodger returns to Albion's starting line-up tonight aiming for the win they need to ease themselves back off the bottom of the First Division.

A fifth victory of the season against injury-hit Wimbledon at Withdean will lift the Seagulls above Sheffield Wednesday on goal difference.

Rodger said: "Every game is a cup final now. We have got to be up for it as soon as that whistle goes, firing on all cylinders, working hard, shutting down and taking our chances.

"Hopefully we can get the result we need and take it on from there. Confidence is high and we just need this win.

"We saw a video of them yesterday and they are not the Wimbledon of old. They don't hit the long ball now.

"They like to play it on the deck and they're quick on the counter-attack so they are a tough side, but if we get at them I can't see it being a problem for us."

Rodger is ready for his first start in midfield since Boxing Day in the absence of the previously ever-present Richard Carpenter with a knee injury.

The Shoreham-born playmaker crashed a shot against the woodwork in Saturday's unlucky 1-0 defeat at Walsall after making his comeback from a broken toe in the second half in place of Carpenter.

"It's great to be back," said Rodger. "I was so frustrated. It's the first time I've had an injury with my toe, so it was all new to me. It has taken time. I came back too soon at first, but hopefully now it is all sorted."

Boss Steve Coppell is more concerned about the bigger relegation picture than a psychological boost from moving off the bottom.

He said: "I know we are going to have to end up with at least in the mid 40's in terms of points, so with 17 games to go we have got to get a point and a half a game at least. That's my target.

"I realise the implications of not propping everybody else up, but from my point of view it's all about points accumulation."

On-loan Charlton keeper Ben Roberts only resumed light training yesterday after gastric flu, so 43-year-old Dave Beasant makes his home debut against the club he helped to four promotions and FA Cup final glory.

"There are not too many of my old friends down there now, but it's always nice playing against them," Beasant said. "The Wimbledon fans always give me a good reception."

Albion are awaiting the outcome of a scan yesterday on the hamstring injury which forced Paul Kitson to withdraw from a place on the bench during the warm-up at Walsall.

Albion v Wimbledon: Match preview at thisisthealbion.co.uk