Club News

Clarke wary of internationals curse

Boss hoping it's third time lucky against Chelsea

STEVE Clarke is hoping Albion can make it third time lucky as he prepares his men to entertain Chelsea on Saturday (ko 3pm).

The Hawthorns boss currently has several key players away on midweek duty with their countries.

And he has his fingers crossed they return in good health as the Baggies look to avoid another defeat after an international break this term, having lost 3-0 at Fulham in September and 2-1 to Manchester City last month.

“The international breaks have not been good for us because we have lost both games when we’ve come back," said Clarke.
 
“There is something in motion to change the international schedule, which I think comes in next season.

“The sooner they set it out and standardise it so every country in the world is following the same pattern, the better.

“But we know it’s there and we have to deal with it, and other clubs have the same problems.”