Pepe Mel keeps cool for West Brom v Fulham showdown

But the Baggies coach is refusing to label tomorrow's make-or-break meeting with the Cottagers tomorrow a 'must-win' game.

Defeat for Mel's men at The Hawthorns would leave them back in the bottom three and hand instant impetus to Felix Magath's bid to revive one of their relegation rivals.

And even a 13th draw of the season would do little to boost the Baggies' chances of staying up. But Mel insists piling extra pressure on his players will not help their bid to chalk up their first win of his reign.

"I don't speak with the players like this," said Mel, when asked whether the clash with Fulham was 'must win'.

"My focus is only on keeping the ball and on tactics. The other things are important but not the most important.

"The most important thing for West Brom is the way we play, the system, the tactics and set-plays.

"This is more important for us."

• Watch Steve Madeley preview Albion v Fulham

New Fulham boss Magath has already branded tomorrow's game as the biggest in his club's history.

Mel said: "For West Brom too it is big, because it is the next one, but only for that reason.

"After we play against Fulham we don't play next weekend. The next match against Sunderland has been postponed, so this match is very important for us.

"Fulham is the next game and it's very important because Fulham are in the relegation zone.

"But all our focus is on the way to win. The other things are mental battles, and the players have spoken about that."

Mel is still seeking his first win as Baggies boss after three draws and two defeats in five games at the helm.

But he insists he has not lost confidence in his ability to turn the season around.

"It has been a difficult five matches for us because Everton, Liverpool and Chelsea are top teams in the league," he said.

"And then the derby at Villa was a different match, but in the last match against Chelsea West Brom played very well and now this is the way for us.

"We must keep the ball and when we lose the ball we must quickly regain it.

"The players told me this week that they were pleased to play that way."

Magath's arrival at Craven Cottage following the sacking of Rene Meulensteen has added a new element of intrigue to a game that already looked like a pivotal fixture in the scramble for survival.

And Mel admitted that the German's appointment makes tomorrow's a game a journey into the unknown for Albion's coaches.

"There is a new coach at Fulham so all the reports are no good because they have new coaches and new concepts.

"He might change the model or change the system. Fulham played 4-2-3-1 but it's possible Magath will he doesn't like that. Maybe he will play five in defence, for example.

"I don't know but I'm sure Felix Magath will want better for Fulham.

"I think Scott Parker and Steve Sidwell will play very hard in the middle.

"They will play attacking football and long play. Darren Bent will run behind the defence."

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