No goals and just one point from the holiday double last weekend means Town start the new year in the bottom half of the table.
Goalkeeper Michel Kuipers is still out with a broken finger so John Sullivan continues in goal for Brighton.
Adam El-Abd is back after a one-match ban, but Colin Hawkins is struggling with a calf injury, Dave Livermore and Gary Hart are both definitely out.
Abdul Osman returns from suspension for Northampton, but Liam Davis serves a one-match ban and captain Chris Doig remains out with a hamstring problem.
Striker Adebayo Akinfenwa is back to full fitness after a calf injury.