Albion look to exorcise Blackburn demons

West Bromwich Albion manager Roberto Di Matteo is looking for a big improvement from his side at Blackburn on Sunday.

Matteo’s men lost 3-1 at the Hawthorns to Rovers last month in a game they should have won.

“I will expect a similar type of game against Blackburn to the one that we had at the Hawthorns,” Di Matteo said.

“But playing at home they may be a bit more offensive and we will have to be aware of that.”

“We are also going to have some defenders back for this game and that is going to make us stronger than when we played them before.”

“Hopefully we can match them better on Sunday with the players that we will have back in the side.”

Defender Jonas Olsson is back to play his first Premier League game since suffering an Achilles injury against Fulham in October.

“Being without Olsson has been a blow for us,” Di Matteo said, adding: “We have badly missed him and he has been out for a long time.”

“He will not regain his match fitness in one game. It will probably take him a few weeks before he will be fully match fit.”

“He is a very influential player for Albion and we are very pleased that is again available for us.”

In other team news, midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu, who signed a contract extension with the club on Friday, has shaken off sore calf muscles suffered during last weekend’s win over Blackpool.

Graham Dorrans twisted his foot in training this week and is doubtful.

Former Blackburn Rovers midfielder Steven Reid is definitely out. He starts training next week after recovering from a knee injury.