Carlos Corberán says the challenge of taking on the only team left in the Sky Bet Championship boasting a perfect home record is one he and his players are really looking forward to.
The Baggies go to battle with Blackburn Rovers under the Lancashire lights at Ewood Park on Wednesday night (ko 7.45pm), with the two teams sharing an identical record after ten matches having each collected 18 points, five victories and three draws, while also losing twice.
The hosts have won five from five in front of their own supporters, earning shutouts in their three most recent fixtures on home soil against Bristol City, QPR and Swansea City.
Albion head north as one of the best-performing away sides in the second tier having amassed 10 points from their opening five clashes on their travels.
Corberán’s men did, however, suffer late disappointment on Saturday when Oxford United stole an added-time equaliser at the Kassam Stadium, and the boss says it’s important to go to Blackburn with the “right emotions” to give themselves the best chance of bouncing back from the weekend’s disappointment.
He said: “When you look at the table, we are both on 18 points with the same amount of wins, draws and defeats. We have made very similar starts to the season.
“We are going up to Blackburn trying to improve our away record. They will be trying to do the same with their home record, which is obviously extremely good.
“They’ve won all five games they’ve played in the Championship there this season and they will be full of confidence. We know they had a good win there on Saturday and they have been tough to break down because in the last three matches in front of their own fans, they haven’t conceded a single goal.
“It’s a challenge we’re all looking forward to.
“They are a strong team and they’ve got a squad full of quality. They’ve improved a lot under their coach John Eustace and he’s implemented stability and an identity. That’s why they’re in the position they’re in.
“We were frustrated by the late goal conceded at Oxford on Saturday and any result in football will affect people.
“Whether it’s the manager, the players or the fans, any win, defeat or draw will affect your emotions. It’s normal and it’s natural.
“There were moments in our last match where we found our level, but there were also moments where we didn’t find it. We have to try and find the solution to allow us to perform as close to our maximum for as long as possible in our matches.
“What we have to do is find the right emotions to get ready for the next challenge and the next game, which is Blackburn on Wednesday.
“It’s important to understand why results have happened. Results are always the consequences of what has happened on the pitch.
“You need to learn quickly from your mistakes in elite football.”
