Interviews

'We need to be tighter' - Alan

ALAN Pardew says Albion need to 'tighten up' if they're to overcome an in-form Watford side on Saturday.

After a wounding reverse against Huddersfield Town last time out, the Baggies travel to Vicarage Road to face a Hornets side unbeaten at home since December.

And, although Alan can accept a Premier League defeat, he won't accept anything other than a disciplined, determined display.

"You can accept defeat as players and staff, it's part and parcel of our game. But it's been a tough week in terms of the performance. Huddersfield played well in terms of the pressure they put us under.

"But it was how we dealt with that pressure in some areas of the pitch that was a bit of a worry. We've got to make sure we're much tighter on Saturday when we play Watford."

In a week of inclement weather, the Baggies boss says the snowy conditions haven't frozen his side's desire to put right a disappointing showing against the Terriers. Players and staff have been able to "address a few things" at Palm Training Ground.

"We haven't been affected by the snow too much," he said. "Obviously it's freezing and getting in and out is a problem. But training has been okay.

"We're majorly disappointed after the weekend in terms of our performance and the result. So we've got a bit of work to do and we've got no excuses. We've got a heated pitch and a nice, warm classroom so we've been able to address a few things.

"It's not an easy weekend for football let's be honest in the circumstances. We're still going down on the train. Obviously it'll be difficult for our fans to get down. Hopefully they get down there safely and we can put in a good performance to warm them up."

Standing in the way of three Premier League points are Javi Gracia's Watford outfit. They are similar to Huddersfield, says Alan, but with more individual quality that his players will need to cope with.

"I think Watford are not too dissimilar to Huddersfield but - and I'm sure Huddersfield won't mind be saying this - they're a bit stronger individually in a couple of areas. Richarlison and Doucoure have had massive seasons for them. They're good players that we need to cope with.

"They're difficult at home. It's a tough game for us but it's a game that we have to approach to try and win."

And our Head Coach has confirmed that there will be changes to his starting XI after what's been a "constructive week" of preparation.

"'Have we had a constructive week?' Yes. I like to think on Saturday that the performance will speak for itself. The only thing that the fans are going to see is the 90 minutes. It's irrelevant what I say about training.

"I'd be foolish not to make changes after last weekend. There'll be changes and we'll see how that's reflected."

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