ROBERTO Di Matteo is hoping his players can continue their impressive unbeaten home league record in Saturday's clash with Sunderland (ko 3pm).

The Baggies have not lost on their own patch since early January when they were beaten 3-1 by Nottingham Forest, who they eventually beat in the race to automatic promotion.

But Di Matteo recognises the task will be harder in the top flight this season - and hopes the Hawthorns hordes will make the difference to his men.

"The home record is good," he said.

"But it is a different league!

"We have to do well and we want to do well, by starting off our season at home well.

"The players will be up for it.

"The supporters can make it easier against Sunderland.

"Our fans have been magnificent, all last year, since I have been here they've been fantastic.

"I think we have repaid them as well with some great games, and results last season."

The Black Cats only picked up ten points from a possible 57 on the road last term and their last visit to The Hawthorns 16 months ago ended in a 3-0 defeat as Jonas Olsson, Chris Brunt and Juan Carlos Menseguez scored.

And, while Albion will be looking to bounce back from their 6-0 opening-day defeat at champions Chelsea, Steve Bruce's men will arrive in the Black Country on the back of letting a two-goal lead slip in a 2-2 draw with Blues.

"There is nothing easy but we have to try our best and I want the team to show a reaction to Saturday," Di Matteo added.

"I want them to play well, try hard and give us a chance to be able to win a game.

"If the opposition is better you have to hold your hands up, but let's do our best, try hard and fight for each other.

"After the game is over you analyse and say 'they played better' or 'they scored a great goal we could do nothing about'.

"But I am sure we will show a reaction."