EPL: West Brom v Swansea preview
West Brom v Swansea preview
Darren Moore will take charge of West Brom following the departure of Alan Pardew as they host Swansea in a vital Premier League clash on Saturday.
Pardew was dismissed on April 2 after losing eight successive league games, which has left the Baggies 10 points adrift of safety at the bottom of the table.
But caretaker manager Moore says his team are looking forward to the weekend's game, and he is hoping for a unity around the club.
"Anybody who knows me will know that all I'm focused on is Swansea on Saturday and nothing more than that. Together as a group we are really looking forward to the game," he said.
"The supporters know that any challenge I am faced with I will tackle it head on. Hopefully I'll get a good reception from the fans, but for me it's all about togetherness tomorrow. The message from me is unity and family."
For Swansea boss Carlos Carvalhal, he says he is "completely relaxed" about whatever the future holds for him, with reports suggesting that he has had informal talks about extending his Liberty Stadium stay.
"I will answer all the time the same. I don't want anyone losing focus," Carvalhal said, with Swansea already rising up to 15th in the Premier League table and three points from the drop zone.
"We cannot talk about the future when trying to save the team. There are a lot of things on the table if you stay up or do not. It is our focus to stay up. After we achieve that we will talk, no problem.
"I have an important game against West Brom, and we are talking about my personal situation. I want to talk about achieving points. I am completely relaxed. I never signed more than a one-year contract."
Sam Field should be back in the West Brom squad after missing the defeat to Burnley with a calf injury sustained on international duty but he has been training this week.
Nacer Chadli (thigh) and Daniel Sturridge (hamstring) are making progress but Saturday looks like it will come too soon for them while Gareth Barry will probably miss the rest of the season after undergoing knee surgery.
Sam Clucas is set to feature for Swansea after recovering from a knee injury. He went off during the 2-0 loss to Manchester United last weekend, but Swans boss Carlos Carvalhal has reported no ill-effects.
Renato Sanches (hamstring) and Angel Rangel (groin) remain out, although Rangel has started training again, while Jordan Ayew serves the final game of a three-match ban.