Villa always a threat, says Di Matteo

West Brom manager Roberto Di Matteo has warned his side there is never a good time to play local rivals Aston Villa.

Villa are in a slump under new manager Gerard Houllier and having lost four straight games sit just just five points off the bottom.

Meanwhile, newly promoted West Brom have been one of the surprise packages of the season, racking up 22 points in their opening 16 games leaving them 9th in the table.

But Di Matteo believes his in-form side should not take anything for granted at Villa Park on Saturday.

“There is never a good time when you play good clubs,” he said. “They have plenty of good players and we just have to make sure my team does as well as it can.”

“From the start of the season there are a few fixtures the supporters remind you about – but it’s important it’s not just about those local derbies. We have to do well in the other games otherwise it won’t be enough.”

“We are delighted with the points we have and we’re just trying to add some more every game.”

Summer signing Peter Odemwingie has been a revelation since arriving from Lokomotiv Moscow in the close season, scoring six goals in just 11 Premier League starts.

But he is a doubt for the Villa clash after a groin injury prevented him from training all week.

Midfielder Chris Brunt has also missed training this week with a similar groin strain but is expected to feature against Villa.

Brunt has been the subject of speculation linking him with a move to Liverpool. But he said: “It’s always nice to be linked with other clubs, it’s flattering. I’m enjoying playing here at West Brom so I don’t see why my future wouldn’t be here.”

“I’ve been quite pleased with my own form, I’ve enjoyed being back in the Premier League and playing. But I can only perform when the rest of the team do and credit to the lads they’ve done really well.”