ROBERTO Di Matteo has warned his troops they must cut out the defensive lapses that have seen them lose their last two games when they host Derby tomorrow (ko 3pm).

But he admits it has been difficult to find enough time to work with his players on ironing out their flaws as the games continue to come thick and fast.

The visit of the Rams will be the third-placed Baggies' eighth match in 24 days in all competitions as they look to keep the pressure on leaders Newcastle, who are six points ahead, and Nottingham Forest, who are a point better off having played a game more.

"We've talked about the defensive errors but there is just not enough time between games to work on it on the pitch," said Di Matteo.

"Every three days you have a warm-down then it is match prep and tactical drills.

"There is not much time to work on the pitch.

"You do all your video analysis and personal, individual stuff, but to actually go on the pitch and work on it and do a full session takes time, and you don't have time to do it.

"We are addressing it because it has cost us dearly.

"It's been a combination of factors in my opinion.

"There have been individual errors, a lack of concentration in certain periods and that could be a consequence of a bit of fatigue.

"The other night it was a matter of who was going to give me the best chance to win the game.

"Chris Brunt has been giving us everything he has and he was on his last legs, poor guy.

"It was a matter of bringing someone in who could give me more than Chris on Wednesday.

"Hopefully he has recharged his batteries a little bit now - and the same with Jonas.

"Those two guys have played the most minutes for us."

The Albion chief is also hoping Wednesday's titanic battle with Reading has not taken too much out of his men, especially after the FA Cup fifth-round tie went to extra-time.

And he expects Nigel Clough's 15th-placed side to be full of energy after a run of five league games that has seen them take ten points and beat top-two outfits United and Forest 3-0 and 1-0 respectively at Pride Park.

"They are in good form and they seem to be playing better against the teams in the top half," Di Matteo added.

"Looking back, the point we gained at Derby was a good point, considering that our opponents in Forest and Newcastle didn't get any points over there.

"I remember we were disappointed with the way it happened but looking back it was a good point.

"They always do well against the bigger teams in this league and they will be pressing us and chasing us.

"We always know what they are going to do and it's going to be a very difficult game for us considering all the circumstances of the last week.

"It's the third game in six days and we had extra-time."