Club News

Olsson determined to get over the line

Defender ready for crunch Hammers test

JONAS Olsson is fully aware of the importance of Saturday’s home encounter against West Ham (ko 3pm).

Albion are 16th in the Barclays Premier League table heading into a crucial late April weekend in which eight of the bottom nine teams face each other.

The Baggies are currently three points and a healthy goal difference clear of the drop zone, while they also boast a game in hand over some of their rivals.

And centre-back Olsson knows victory over the Hammers would really take some of the pressure off.

“We need to get over that line sooner rather than later,” he said. 

“And why not on Saturday?

“We will focus totally on that and get ready for it.

“Of course it will be a different game to Man City but we will speak about it and we will have time to prepare and make sure we’re ready.”

Olsson added: “We have to focus all our energy on Saturday because that’s going to be massive.”

Albion drew 3-3 with the Hammers at Upton Park in late December – the fifth draw between the two sides in their previous six encounters.

West Ham’s Andy Carroll missed the meeting earlier this season as he recovered from a heel injury.

But, fit again, he is likely to start against the Baggies this weekend and Olsson is looking forward to coming up against the powerful target man.

“He is a test. He’s a really good player and it always seems to be a physical battle between us,” said Olsson, who played against Carroll at Euro 2012 when Sweden and England met in the group stages. 

“I like that and I’m sure he likes it as well.

“It will be a test but I am looking forward to it. And hopefully we can get over that line soon rather than later.”