Club News

Fletcher wants Albion to rise to the challenge

Skipper speaks ahead of testing fixtures

DARREN Fletcher wants Albion to replicate last season’s achievements and rise to the challenge of competing with some of the best teams in the Premier League.

The Baggies face a testing run of fixtures when domestic games return after the October international break.

Tony Pulis’ side will come up against three of the current top four in Spurs, Liverpool and Manchester City, as well as champions Leicester City over the next four weeks.

Albion relished the opportunity to pit their wits against the big boys in 2015/16 and claimed victories over Arsenal and Manchester United at The Hawthorns, while away from home, draws against Leicester, Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham were recorded.

And the skipper is hoping for more of the same ahead of the eye-catching clashes.

“We have some tough games to play when we come back from the international break,” said Fletcher.

“It’s been a solid start to our season but I think we could’ve had a few more points to our name.

“We are slightly disappointed not to be a few points better off, but at the same time, it’s been a good solid start.

“Now we have some strong teams to play.

“Those bigger games have tended to suit us on a few occasions though in recent seasons.

“We rise to the challenge and we did very well in them last season.

“Hopefully we can do the same this time around.”