West Brom set to take gamble on Victor Anichebe's fitness

Albion are prepared to gamble on the fitness of striker Victor Anichebe for tomorrow's survival crunch.

The Baggies have been left threadbare of powerful target men at the head of their attack following the sacking of a disgraced Nicolas Anelka and the sale of Shane Long.

Anichebe has been fighting to overcome a hamstring problem this week in the run-up to the Cardiff clash. But he has become so important to Mel's plans the head coach will give the striker as much time as possible to declare himself fit.

"We know Brunt, Jones, Yacob and Olsson will not play but we have to wait on Anichebe," said Mel. "There is a question mark over him. but he is an important player.

"Vydra, Thievy, Sessegnon and Gera can play a role but Anichebe is a different player. We're waiting to find out if he is available."

Although Mel is not looking beyond tomorrow's Hawthorns encounter, he admits he is desperate for his players to have pulled clear of danger before the last week of the season.

Albion's penultimate game is at another of the clubs in peril, Sunderland, and Mel said: "Our position means things up until now haven't been done well. We must do things better to avoid this do-or-die game against Sunderland."