Albion have rung the changes for League Cup action – but Dale Stephens is not involved.

The midfielder has been subject of renewed and unsubstantiated transfer speculation in the last 24 hours and also, reported boss Chris Hughton, picked up a knock in training yesterday.

Ollie Norwood makes his debut in central midfield and has Danny Holla alongside him with Rohan Ince used in his original position of centre-back.

Albion make 11 changes from the side which kicked off at Derby on Saturday.

It is a big night for youngsters Sam Adekugbe, Rob Hunt and Ben White in defence.

As insurance, Hughton has packed his bench with experience against the League Two outfit.

Colchester give debuts to former Albion pair Doug loft and Brennan Dickenson, both signed this summer from Gillingham.

They also hand a first senior start to goalkeeper Dillon Barnes as they make seven changes to the XI which kicked off the opening-day 1-1 draw at Hartlepool. 

Albion: Maenpaa; Hunt, White, Ince, Adekugbe; Murphy, Holla, Norwood, LuaLua; Baldock, Manu. Subs: Ankergren, Bruno, Bong, Dunk, Knockaert, Sidwell, Murray.

Colchester: Barnes; Wynter, Prosser, Kent; Vincent-Young, Lapslie, Loft, Guthrie, Szmodics; Dickenson, Johnstone. Subs: Bransgrove, Kinsella, Slater, Sembie-Ferris, Dunne, Porter, Bonne.

Ref: James Linington (Newport, IoW).