'It's our cup final': West Brom's Pepe Mel ready for West Ham showdown

The Baggies went down 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium last night and boss Mel looks set to turn to skipper Chris Brunt as an emergency left-back against the Hammers.

Liam Ridgewell is facing scans today to determined whether his season is over because of a knee injury that forced him to limp off at City.

Ridgewell looks almost certain to miss the meeting with the Hammers, which Mel has admitted is the biggest game since he arrived at the club.

"It really is the most important game, it's a cup final" said the Spaniard.

"It can be the game that can spur us on and give us that life.

"I hope the stadium will be full and the fans will be with us. They can really help us in this game.

"We have to look forward to Saturday's game, which is an absolutely vital game."

Mel initially claimed Ridgewell would miss the remaining four games of the campaign with an ankle problem after he was forced off in the closing stages, but Baggies medics later confirmed the injury was to Ridgewell's knee and he might return before the end of the season.

However, he is highly unlikely to face Sam Allardyce's men and, with on-loan Goran Popov frozen out, Brunt looks set to move to left-back.

Mel said: "Brunt can do a really good job in this role and I'm certain that Ridgewell will not be available for the West Ham game, so Brunt is a good option.

"I select the best players for each particular game and therefore the best option is Chris Brunt. Popov has not played for a very long time and this game against West Ham is absolutely vital."

Centre-back Gareth McAuley could return on Saturday after missing out last night with a groin problem picked up in training.

Mel said: "He could well play on Saturday but the most important thing is to have a positive attitude. This game really is a final for us."