Steve Bruce wants his West Brom squad to ‘fight’ for the result against Luton

Steve Bruce has asked his West Bromwich Albion players to ‘fight’ to secure a win against Luton Town on Saturday.

The Baggies have won just one of their opening 12 Championship games this season and slipped into the relegation zone on Wednesday after a 1-0 defeat to Preston North End.

Albion are without a win in their last eight fixtures in all competitions, losing four times and will be hoping they can turn a corner at the Hawthorns against the Hatters.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Friday, Bruce believes his team didn’t deserve to lose their last two matches, but despite poor results is confident West Brom can climb the table.

“I don’t think we deserved to lose either of the Swansea or the Preston games earlier this week, but the reality is, is that we have,” he said.

“It’s the story of our season if we’re being brutally honest.

“We’ve been in situations where it could have gone our way, but it hasn’t and we find ourselves in a situation where it’s all about getting a result and it doesn’t matter how we get it.

“We need to have a little bit of fight and a little bit of character about us. If we can show the fight and the resilience which is required at the moment, then I’m confident we can start climbing the table.”

The Baggies’ form under Bruce has been worrying to say the least, with them keeping just one clean sheet in the league so far.

In his 31 games in charge of Albion in all competitions, the 61-year-old has won only eight games, leading to speculation he could be dismissed in the near future.

Despite their poor form, Bruce has asked West Brom fans to rally around their team on Saturday to try and secure the three points.

“I know things are tough at the moment but I urge the supporters to rally around the team and get behind them,” he said.

“We have to show the supporters that we’re prepared to fight for everything first though, and show what’s required to win this game of football.

“We have to start well on Saturday and we’ll have to have a team of experienced players who I hope will know how to handle the pressure.

“I’m quietly confident we can start well, turn things around and win the match.”

Wednesday’s defeat to Preston saw Bruce rotate his squad with six changes made from their loss to Swansea City the previous match.

The Baggies boss has confirmed he will be alternating his team again this weekend, with one aim in mind - to win the game.

“We made six changes on Wednesday in an attempt to freshen things up and we’ll be doing the same on Saturday against Luton,” Bruce said.

“There’s only one thing that’s important and that’s winning the match.

“Luton had a bad start to the season but now they’re unbeaten in four games and up in the top half of the table. Swansea are another example of how quickly things can turn.

“It’s about time we did the same too.”

Bruce also gave an insight as to what Albion can anticipate from the Hatters on Saturday and expects a ‘physical’ match at the Hawthorns.

“Luton were in the play-offs last year and that’s not a fluke,” he said. “They’re a good side and they have a talented manager.

“They are a big, strong and aggressive team and they’ll certainly ask us questions at the Hawthorns.

“It’s a different proposition to Swansea, but I’ve got a lot of time for how they go about their work.

“We’ll have to be ready physically, as well as being determined to see the job through.”