Everyone has to be prepared

West Brom have four games in the space of eight hectic days over the holiday period, they travel to Old Trafford and Anfield and entertain Spurs and Villa at home.

Pearson said. “Physically, what we are looking at is and eight-day period with four games and it’s important we get everyone in good physical shape.”

“We have been reasonably fortunate so far in terms of injuries and we expect Watto to recover for the trip to United.”

“Mentally, we also need to prepare ourselves that these games are coming thick and fast.”

Watson missed the loss at Fratton Park due to a knock he picked up in the win against Manchester City but is expected to recover for the trip to Old Trafford.

Albion also look to be boosted by the return of Zoltan Gera after a long injury lay off. Gera is lined up to appear in his second reserve outing this week, and if he comes through unscathed Pearson is hoping that he plays some part during this busy period.

'Zoltan will play in tomorrow's reserve game and we would hope he may play some part during the Christmas period, although we don't want to rush him back,' said Pearson.

Pearson is hoping that The Baggies can bounce back from their defeat against Portsmouth.

Pearson added, “I don’t think Saturday’s game will have a long-term effect on the players, we were disappointed because we played better than they did. Perhaps a draw would have been a fair result.

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