Di Matteo to field strong XI

26 April 2010 13:08
Boss refuses to use squad against Palace Roberto Di Matteo has again insisted the Baggies will field their strongest XI in their remaining fixtures ahead of tonight’s clash against Crystal Palace (KO 8pm).  The Baggies were promoted against Doncaster two games ago however the Baggies boss insists he has a responsibility to field his strongest possible team in respect to other Championship sides still aiming for promotion or trying to avoid relegation. Albion travel to Selhurst Park tonight with the Eagles needing a win to avoid relegation at the expense of Sheffield Wednesday.  The Baggies themselves need a solitary point to break the club’s record points tally for a season with Di Matteo also hoping to avenge Palace’s 1-0 victory at The Hawthorns back in late September. “We will remind our players about that defeat - but I don't think it was one of the worst days of the season," said the Italian. "I don't think we deserved to lose that game because they only had one chance and even that was a long ball from halfway into the box so it wasn't even a chance. "But the same applied to the ‘Boro game. "We're going to be professional. “I am going to be playing the best team available to me and we have to expect a hostile atmosphere because they are down there fighting to stay in the league. "It's going to be a difficult atmosphere for us. "They will be playing at home and they need points so I would expect them to be positive rather than negative. "It could be an advantage or at least give us a chance to exploit the space."

Source: FOOTYMAD