Nigel Reo-Coker continued the countdown to the derby with Albion by insisting the Premier League is easier than European games.
The midfielder ended his goalscoring duck by finding the net in both of Villa’s victories this week, although Martin O’Neill’s side were far less convincing in their 3-1 success over Litex Lovech on Thursday than Monday’s thrilling 2-1 win at Tottenham.
Not only do teams have to contend with facing unfamiliar foes in often hostile environments along with punishing travel schedules, Reo-Coker admits they are under more pressure to take their chances – because they are so few and far between.
The comments are sure to add extra spice to what is an already eagerly-anticipated clash at the Hawthorns.
He said: “It will be a different kind of game. European games are very different to Premier League games, they are harder.
“In European games if you get a chance you have to take it, that’s how important it is. That’s the thin line between a European game and a Premier League game.
“The higher the level you play the less chances you get because of the quality of the opposition. Getting the result was the main thing and to get three goals was fantastic.”
Reo-Coker admits to being a fan of Tony Mowbray’s footballing philosophy but he believes their open style will suit Villa.
The Villa lynchpin said: “They have been great. They are a footballing side, their philosophy is to play football and that suits us fine as we want to play a fast, attacking, entertaining game.
“It will be a good footballing game and we are all looking forward to it. We have to approach every game with confidence. If you don’t do that then you are already 40 per cent behind.”
He believes the travelling claret and blue faithful have a huge role to play as Villa aim to extend their 23-year unbeaten run against the Baggies.
He said: “There will be a fantastic atmosphere generated. A lot of praise needs to go the Villa fans, who were fantastic on Thursday. Their support was tremendous and thoroughly appreciated and I’m sure they will make it a great game for us on Sunday and lift the players.”
Now all that stands between O’Neill’s men and three wins in seven days is a Baggies side, who chalked up their first Premier League win of the campaign last weekend against West Ham.
It is the third game in a punishing fixture schedule which sees Villa play seven times in 21 days but Reo-Coker insists tiredness won’t be an issue.
He said: “It’s an important period for us, we have a lot of games coming up and different players react differently to the situation.
“I can only speak for myself and I’ve not had a problem playing so many games in such a small period.”
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