Burton Albion host Brighton this weekend and it will be their biggest challenge yet at this level.

A long list of injuries and suspensions put Burton at risk of not being able to name an 18-man-squad for Saturday's clash.

Defensive duo Kyle McFadzean and Ben Turner will both be serving suspensions for a red card and five yellow cards respectively.

Meanwhile Tom Flanagan, Lucas Akins, Stuart Beavon, Damien McCrory and John Mousinho all miss out through injury.

Chris O'Grady is ineligible against his parent club. Burton's resources are minimal at full strength but are severely stretched now.

Nigel Clough will have to make do with what he has on offer and this is not the ideal match at the moment.

Brighton are widely tipped to be up there competing for promotion so the Brewers will have to be on top form to triumph over Chris Hughton's side this weekend.

However Burton are unbeaten in five league games and have surprised everyone so far with the "minnows" lifting themselves to 15th.

This is the 3-5-2 team that Clough should put out to get an unlikely victory against Brighton......

GK: Jon McLaughlin

Jon McLaughlin has been a consistent performer for Burton for a while now.

The 29-year-old has played over 100 games between the sticks for the Brewers and is a commanding goalkeeper and Burton will need the Scotsman to be at his best this weekend.

RCB: Tom Naylor

Tom Naylor is going to have to be played out of position in a defensive role this weekend in the absence of Mousinho, Flanagan, McFadzean, McCory and Turner. The natural midfielder has been operating at right centre back recently. The 25-year-old will have his work cut out against Brighton's lethal attack on Saturday.

CB: John Brayford

John Brayford is now the star man in this makeshift defence for Burton after returning to the club on loan from Sheffield United.

The 28-year-old can play at centre back or right back but they'll need him to be at his best and commanding from the heart of defence this weekend.

LCB: Shaun Barker

Shaun Barker has been so unfortunate with injuries but will earn himself a start if he's fit enough this weekend.

The former Derby defender was signed by old manager Nigel Clough having not played a competitive match in over four years. It's a gamble starting the 33-year-old this Saturday but Clough might be forced to make that choice.

RWB: Lee Williamson

Naturally a central midfielder, Burton might need Williamson to operate in a right wing back role this weekend. He has the defensive qualities and work rate to play in this position and the 34-year-old will need to call upon all his experience to counter Brighton's attacks.

The Jamaica international is a good passer of the ball so could help going forward too.

RCM: Matt Palmer

Despite being just 21 years of age, Matt Palmer has plenty of experience in the football league with over 100 appearances for the Brewers.

He has been a regular starter this season and Clough will be hoping that his talented youngster can continue to show maturity beyond his years in the Burton midfield.

CM: Jackson Irvine

Burton Albion will be almost reliant on star man Jackson Irvine to produce the goods for them this weekend.

The Australia international already has four goals from midfield and is a constant threat going forward, despite being a deep-lying midfielder naturally.

The 23-year-old continues to impress in the Championship and all eyes will be on him this weekend.

LCM: Hamza Choudhury

A lot of expectation rests on the shoulders of this young midfield and combative central midfielder Hamza Choudhury is seen as a key player.

The 18-year-old is enjoying his second spell with the Brewers on loan from Leicester and he has a bright future ahead of him.

LWB: Lloyd Dyer

Amid all the youngsters, Lloyd Dyer's experience will be invaluable.

The 34-year-old winger is likely to be deployed in a wing back slot. H

e has two goals for Burton so far this season, and will need to use his vast knowledge of the second tier to help plug the threat of Anthony Knockaert of Brighton.