Baggies boss also adds youngsters to travelling squad
PEPE Mel admits Jonas Olsson’s suspension means he may have to rethink employing the same 3-5-2 formation that proved successful in beating Swansea 2-1 last weekend against Hull tomorrow (ko 3pm).
The Baggies head to the KC Stadium looking to secure back-to-back league wins for only the second time this season.
And, although the Albion boss is confident his 16th-placed men have turned a corner following victory in South Wales, he is wary of a newly-promoted Tigers team, who sit two points and three places above them in the table.
“Hull City and West Brom both need to win,” said Mel, who has included young Academy products Liam O'Neil, Donervorn Daniels and Kemar Roofe in his travelling squad.
“It’s a big match and very, very difficult for us.
“I think their season has been very, very good – they play well.
“They have a clear way to win.
"Their last result against Man City was not so good but Hull City played very well - and it’s a difficult match for us.
“Now Jonas Olsson is suspended – in my head is another way to win the next match.
“It is important for us now that the players know two different ways to play and win.
"Also, it’s good news for the club to be taking three youngsters to Hull. Every day West Brom is better. Young people are important for the future."
Albion will come against some familiar faces in the City squad, with Shane Long following fellow former Baggies Curtis Davies, Robert Koren and Paul McShane to Hull.
Mel added: “Shane Long is a good striker but Hull have other players too; the match is a big match for all.”
The Albion chief is no stranger to the KC Stadium, having seen his Real Betis team lose 3-0 there in pre-season.
But after losing to Swansea in pre-season 2011 with Betis and beating them last weekend for his first victory as Baggies head coach – he is hoping that trend continues on Saturday.
“I played against Hull in pre-season with Betis.
“They have a good stadium, good fans and a good club.
“Hull won but it’s no problem. You remember in the last press conference I told you Betis played Swansea, you think who won? Swansea. And then, no problem last Saturday!”