Dean Wilkins has challenged his in-form defenders to silence one of League One's most potent attacking double acts.

The Albion manager admits it is unlikely he will make a deadline-beating move into the loan market ahead of Saturday's trip to Leeds United.

A bid to extend Ian Westlake's loan from Leeds also remained unresolved tonight, although the Seagulls have until a week on Saturday to reach agreement with their League One rivals.

Wilkins is confident his side can maintain their play-off push by getting a result at Elland Road.

Fresh from their clean sheet at Nottingham Forest on Monday, Albion will be up against 19-goal Jermaine Beckford and experienced Dougie Freedman, who was on target twice at Port Vale recently.

Wilkins said: "Beckford is a major threat. Even last year at Scunthorpe we saw that. He scores goals with either foot and with his head.

"What they have got now is someone with him with some experience which is Freedman. They are two types of player but they have both got real quality.

"We are going to have be very aware because of their movement. Freedman is more likely to come short and Beckford will go in behind."

Albion are buoyant after wins against Walsall and Doncaster plus the draw at Forest. Wilkins said: "We have put ourselves in a position where it is now in our own hands to a degree.

"Leeds away is similar to Forest away in terms of difficulty but we are building on that confidence you get from winning games against teams in the top six.

"We are on a nice upward drive at the moment."

Albion's fringe first-teamers were denied a chance to impress when the reserve game at home to Wycombe Wanderers was postponed last night due to a waterligged pitch at Woodside Road.

Tommy Fraser and Steven Thomson will be back to fight for places after recovering from niggles.

Fraser missed the trip to Forest with an ankle injury and Thomson played through a calf problem which forced him off during the second half. Both are now fully fit.

Andrew Whing returns from suspension.

Asked if Albion would have a loan signing on board for Leeds, Wilkins said: "It doesn't look likely at the moment."

How will Albion fare at Leeds? Let us know below