Di Matteo plays down favourites tag

Nov 12 2010 By Chris Lepkowski

It’s a measure of where West Bromwich Albion are that supporters travelled to West Ham United on Wednesday night expecting to get something from the game.

And they will this weekend also against Wigan Athletic .

Probably, too, against Stoke at The Hawthorns next weekend. Actually, that’s probably incorrect – the Baggies never seem to get anything against the Staffordshire side.

Albion have probably become victims of their own form.

A victory at Arsenal, a draw at Manchester United and credible performances elsewhere, have raised the expectations. Di Matteo is having none of it.

West Ham have struggled all season, as have Wigan.

But ask the Italian about Albion’s chances and you get an answer straight out of the ‘Sarcasm’ section.

When asked about Albion’s chances of collecting victories during the coming games, he joked: “Is that based on the fact we have been in the Premier League for eight years and just got promoted?”

With tongue still very firmly in cheek, he added: “We have the second lowest budget in the league, so we are expected to win those games or get something out of it.