Build up to Christmas

All West Brom fans were left disappointed after the Black Country derby against bitter rivals Wolves was postponed due to the sudden downfall of snow. However, Roberto Di Matteo has now very much turned his full attention to the match on Boxing Day where the Baggies travel to Bolton to take on the Wanderers. In recent seasons this is a game contested by two teams who don't usually have a lot between them, the last four matches between them ending in draws, the most recent being at the Hawthorns earlier this season where James Morrison's late header cancelled out a Johan Elmander goal, which meant the result being 1-1. However, for the build up to this clash, Albion are buoyed by the return of Peter Odemwingie, who was set to miss the Wolves battle. The top scorer returns after a series of niggles to his calf, knee and groin, Di Matteo admitting he has only had little over a week to rest this year due to the Russian fixture schedule being the way it is, plus Odemwingie representing Nigeria in the World Cup of South Africa in the summer. But the Italian all but promised Baggies fans he will be available for the trip to the Reebok Stadium and also gave an update on the progress of Jonas Olsson, the giant Swede hasn't featured since hobbling off during the 2-1 over Fulham in October:

 "Jonas is progressing," he said. "Slowly, but he's progressing. We are hopeful we will know much more next week. This week we'll increase his training and we will see how he reacts. Cold weather isn't helpful, especially if you have an Achilles problem, nor is training in the dome. Early-mid January is still our target with Jonas and by the end of this week we will have a better idea about whether he can achieve that target or not. But at the moment we're still hopeful." (www.wba.co.uk)


Di Matteo also confirmed that he plans to sign one player in January- which will be a striker. He has made it clear that he does not need to sign lots of players because the players already at the club are doing an excellent job. The rumours are still floating about,  Pierre Webo and Jamie O'Hara look to be the most recognised names however the likes of Georgios Samaras and Luke Varney appear dead in the water.