Boss preparing for toughest test

Last updated : 08 December 2009 By Wba-mad Editor

Roberto Di Matteo has warned his team they face their toughest test of the season tonight at The Hawthorns against Cardiff City (KO 19.45).  Fifth place City visit the Black Country only two days since Albion’s last minute heartbreak at Derby with the Baggies missing a number of key players through injury.

Dave Jones has his own injury worries tonight but is still expected to field the division’s top-scorers, Michael Chopra and Peter Whittingham, in his starting XI.  The Bluebirds are the second highest scorers in the division – behind Albion – with Di Matteo expecting the Welsh outfit to pose Albion’s most difficult, and important, test so far this term.

“Every game is difficult but I think this is the most important game we have faced this season, in my opinion,” the Italian revealed.

"They've got Chopra and Whittingham, who are the two top scorers in the division.

"They are the second top scorers behind us in the league.

"They are very physical and organised.

"They know how to close spaces down and defend.

"And they have a threat in the two players I have mentioned and Chris Burke, who can score.

"I think it will be a very tough encounter for us.

"We have six players out and I have two youth team players on the bench again tonight.

"They are one of our main competitors for promotion.

"We are missing some important players and it's our second game in three days.

"They have some dangerous players in their team so I think it's the biggest game, biggest test for us so far this season."

The absence of Luke Moore and Jerome Thomas through injury has opened the door to a number of Albion’s squad – particularly Roman Bednar who is due to start for the Baggies alongside Simon Cox.

“We know what Roman can do," Di Matteo continued.

"The team was playing well so you don't really change that.

"As you've seen throughout the season, players have come into the team, done well, and stayed in the team.

"He's a proven goalscorer in the Championship and we hope he can give us something.

"He seems quite a happy chap lately in training and around the training ground."