Albion host Aston Villa on Monday
ALBION's Premier League 2 boss James Shan is looking ahead to his side's first competitive game in almost three weeks as the Baggies host Aston Villa at Aggborough on Monday evening (ko 7pm).
Shan's men return to action level on points with the Villans, four points outside the playoff places.
And the Baggies eased themselves back into second-half of the season with a friendly against Chinese Super League side Shanghai SIPG U19 on Wednesday.
"We had a long break between fixtures over the Christmas period so the game against Shanghai on Wednesday fitted in nicely," said Shan.
"All of the players in and around our squad completed at least 45 minutes so hopefully that will be a nice introduction to the game on Monday."
Albion will have fond memories of the reverse fixture in September which saw the Baggies record a thumping 5-2 victory.
"The 5-2 display was one of the best PL2 performances I've seen in my time at the Club.
"If you look at the games last year as well you can see the Villa fixture brings out a little bit more intensity which adds to the quality of the game."
And after a 1-0 derby defeat to Wolves just before Christmas, the Baggies boss knows his squad will be aware of what's expected of them.
"We've watched the Wolves game back and the lads went to Brighton the following week and put right the wrongs of that game.
"I'm expecting a difficult derby on Monday - Kevin MacDonald's sides are always very hard-working and hard to beat.
"We know we'll have to match that."
Tickets are £5 adults, £1 concessions, with free entry for season-ticket holders.