Albion manager Tony Mowbray is certain Villa fatigue will not be a factor in the Hawthorns derby.

The trip to Albion will be Villa’s third match in a six-day period that has also included a flying visit to Bulgaria.

Mowbray reckons the joy of back-to-back wins will have soothed any aching limbs in the Villa camp.

He said: “They are winning. I saw them at Tottenham on Monday and the game could have been over after half an hour. They were pretty impressive there and to go away and win in Europe was impressive as well.

“I don’t think they’ll be jaded. I think they’re full of confidence. They won’t be doing a lot of training. They will be ready for the next game and they will be in buoyant mood.

“They will see a newly promoted team as another chance for them to get three points but let’s wait and see. We’re looking forward to it.”

Mowbray is backing his players to keep calm, while acknowledging the importance of the match in the eyes of both clubs’ supporters.

He said: “I’m not sure how may players indigenous to the area we’ve got. I know we’ve got 17 different nationalities here. It will be a great game, because the supporters in the stadium will make it a great occasion and players respond to that.

“All derby games are important because of the bragging rights for the fans. The fans are passionate about it and it’s been a while since we have beaten Villa here. Let’s hope Sunday can give us our first win for a while against them.

“I see every football match as the next opportunity to get points but I would never belittle a derby gam, because in my opinion supporters are the life blood of the game.

“That’s why it’s so exciting when the stadium is full and noise and colour is there. It’s all about the fans and a derby for them is hugely important.

“For me it’s the next opportunity to get three points. It’s great if the supporters have bragging rights at work but generally I see it as the next game.”

“I’m sure the atmosphere in the stadium will intensify the concentration levels of the players, because they will know it means that extra bit to the supporters.”