Di Matteo predicts Vela impact

West Bromwich Albion manager Roberto di Matteo is hoping new loan signing Carlos Vela can help his side out of their current slump.

Di Matteo’s side take on Wigan on Tuesday and are in desperate need of a win having lost five of their last six league matches.

But di Matteo is hoping the arrival of Vela from Arsenal will help turn things around.

“(Vela) has got great technical ability, he’s got fantastic pace and he’s a very good attacking option for us, so we’re very pleased and delighted that he’s decided to come and play for us,” di Matteo said.

“I think it suits him very well the way we play football so that’s one of the main reasons (Vela came to West Brom).”

“He can fit in very nicely with the way we play and be a big threat for us.”

A win for West Brom on Tuesday would move them six points clear of the relegation zone with a game in hand, but di Matteo admitted it would not be an easy match against a Wigan side also fighting for survival.

“It’s probably quite obvious that it’s a big game for both clubs so it’s a bit similar to the Blackpool game we had here – a similar situation,” di Matteo said.

“We have the home advantage so hopefully our supporters are going to be right behind us to give the players that little bit extra that we need to win the game on Tuesday night.”