Club News

Clarke: We can be 'dangerous underdogs'

And boss relishing chance to utilise his strong squad in tough week

STEVE Clarke believes his side are capable of being 'dangerous underdogs' as they prepare to take on big guns Arsenal and Manchester United in the space of four days.

The Baggies host the Gunners in the Capital One Cup third round on Wednesday (ko 8pm) before travelling to champions Manchester United in the Barclays Premier League on Saturday (ko 3pm).

And Clarke is relishing the chance to utilise the strength in depth he believes he has in his squad following Saturday's 3-0 league win over Sunderland.

"We can be dangerous underdogs," said the Albion boss.

"As a team the last two performances have been good.

"At Fulham we rescued a point late on but the second half performance was good.

"Saturday's performance was solid, some good attacking play and some good moments. Another clean sheet which was good for us.

"We look forward to the games.

“Arsenal at home is a difficult game – it’s a good game.

“I’ve got a nice squad of players who all want to play.

“It’s up to me to get the right mix on the pitch on Wednesday.

“I’ve got players who need to play and players who want to play.

“We’ve got a difficult trip to Old Trafford at the weekend as well so I have to make sure we get the selections right and we continue with good performances.

“Hopefully winning on Wednesday night and progressing in the cup will be good for the squad.

“Because we have a big squad, so the longer you stay in the cup competitions the better.

“Then we go to Old Trafford next weekend on the back of two good away performances in the league and we look to build on that.

“Between the game against Arsenal here on Wednesday and the difficult away trip to Old Trafford on Saturday I have to make sure I use the squad in the right way and we keep getting positive results.”