Mowbray's big weekend

Albion manager Tony Mowbray believes victory against Championship rivals Cardiff could mean far more than three points for his Baggies side. A mouth-watering set of fixtures pitch second place Bristol City against in-form Crystal Palace with Watford also entertaining Charlton in the day's evening kick-off.

Should Palace continue their impressive form and Watford fail to secure any points against the Addicks, Mowbray's men could find themselves five points clear and in pole position for a successful promotion push.

"Cardiff is a big game because there are other big games round us at the top of the division," Mowbray said.

"Watford play Charlton for instance so someone is going to drop points, maybe both of them.

"We have to make sure we do our job.

"We can't affect other teams' results but we know when close competitors are playing each other someone is going to drop points and it is important we don't."

Cardiff have already been victorious at The Hawthorns this campaign after a 4-2 victory in the Carling Cup. Although many of the players that night are unlikely to start Mowbray hopes the result will inspire his troops on Saturday.

"I won't be over-emphasising the cup defeat because not many of the players who play on Saturday will have played that night," Mowbray continued.

"It's a motivation for the team but basically, it's a league game.

"There are 19 games to go and it's another opportunity to pick up three points.

"We appreciate Cardiff are on a good run of form at the moment and have won a few games.

"They'll be coming here in confident mood.

"Every week's a different challenge because usually when a team has lost four or five games they are determined to put a halt to the slump.

"We find Cardiff in a rich vein of form and they'll be looking to extend it.

"If we play well I'm sure we can give them problems that they don't generally come across week in, week out."