Albion winger Jerome Thomas is hoping his relatives prove to be lucky Christmas charms when they watch him in action for the Baggies on Saturday.

Thomas is set to shake off a hamstring problem to line up against Peterborough at The Haw-thorns. And the in-form wideman is hoping the presence of his family will be a positive omen as Albion look to return to winning ways.

Thomas said: “I like the home games. I’ve got my family here for Christmas as well – my niece, nephew, my brother and mum Liz. Whenever my sisters and mum have been at The Hawthorns I’ve scored.” Thomas is bracing himself for a tough afternoon against Posh, despite the Championship new-boys’ struggles at the foot of the table.

And he has picked out all-action Posh striker Aaron McLean as a major threat to the Baggies’ hopes of three points. “I remember coming off the bench away at their place for my debut,” he said.

“I’ve been quite impressed with them. Their striker McLean is probably their dangerous player and one we’ll have to watch. They’ll definitely be a threat but hopefully the rest has done us good.” Albion have spent the week attempting to tighten up in defence after conceding six goals in their last three outings.

And Thomas believes holding midfielder Gonzalo Jara could have a key role to play if dangerous Peterborough midfielder George Boyd drifts behind the frontmen.

“We’ve discussed teams coming to The Hawthorns and playing a man ‘in the hole’,” said Thomas. It’s been talked about, with ‘Gonzo’ being the defensive midfield player, as to who should be picking that man up.”