Jonathan Greening has told
The Baggies have not beaten Villa since 1984 but have lost only twice in six Premiership battles - the most recent a frustrating 0-0 draw at Villa Park which saw the visitors dominate but fail to convert chances.
As Sunday's game approaches Greening has revealed the players are as eager to beat their Witton rivals as the fans.
"It's the big one for the fans and the players too," said Greening.
"We all want to do well in the derby game and we will all be trying to do our best.
"It's a massive game because we know what it means.
"They're a good side but we feel if we play well on the day then we can do it.
"I'm sure the foreign lads will be aware of what's at stake.
"They've all played in derbies in their own countries and, anyway, we'll be letting them know what a big fixture it is and I'm sure the gaffer will be as well."
Villa face a tough three games in six days after beating below par Tottenham on Monday night with the Baggies skipper expecting another tough Premiership game as Albion aim for their first win in over 20-years over the Villains.
"We talked about the derby on Tuesday after Villa had beaten Tottenham on Monday," the former Manchester United man added.
"They played very well, although I think Spurs were under par.
"We know how difficult it will be this Sunday.
"We said amongst ourselves that on our day we have the belief to beat anybody so we won't be afraid and we'll be trying to show them what we can do.
"If we perform on the day we know we can get a positive result."
The skipper added: "I'm not sure if them playing three games in six days will help us,
"In the Championship even when you play every three or four days it's not something you notice.
"You get up for games because you don't train much and, in some ways, rest more.
"Travelling won't help them so we do need to try and peg them back and hit them early doors.
"If they are tired and jaded then we need to start well, as we did against West Ham when we should have been two or three up in the first 20 minutes."