Tony Pulis wants a little Christmas luck

The luck certainly wasn't with the Baggies against Bournemouth.

Not only did three members of the first team fall ill the night beforehand, referee Mike Dean then awarded a contentious penalty to the Cherries three minutes before the final whistle.

It sets up a tricky festive period for

Albion as they face a relegation-threatened Swansea side, a Newcastle team unbeaten in three games, and bogey team Stoke.

Pulis said: "We've got to be lucky, that's the one thing we're hoping, that we get some luck. We don't get bookings and we don't get injuries. I sat down with the medical people and we've gone through preparation what we think is right.

"Having had the experience over the years managing this period, it's very important the players get their rest but it's also very important that you keep their mindset in the right order.

"You have to try and balance it all off because the games come thick and fast so it's not just managing them physically, it's managing them mentally as well.

"We'll train on Christmas Eve and I like them to be with their families on Christmas and have Christmas dinner. After that we'll report at 6pm to go to Swansea."

One player who has forced his way into the team and cemented his place is defender Jonas Olsson.

"He's a winner," said Pulis. "He's 100 per cent committed. When the whistle goes you know what you're going to get from him. He's been a fantastic servant to the football club. I like him a lot.

"He can be a bit aggressive at times and a bit angry," he added. "I think him and McAuley over the last couple of weeks have done exceptionally well."

Last night's Birmingham Senior Cup tie with Rushall Olympic was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.