West Bromwich Albion manager Pepe Mel has claimed that his side must win Wednesday's derby against Aston Villa in the Premier League.

The Spaniard takes charge of the Baggies for only the second time as they face their local rivals at Villa Park.

"It is a big game for us - the fans, the players, the club," Mel is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News. "We need to win. The only thing is to win."

Mel has also singled out Christian Benteke as Villa's main threat ahead of the match.

"They are a very good team on the counter-attack, but they are also good playing it long and winning the second ball with Christian Benteke," he added.

"My players know this and we have worked hard on stopping these things."

West Brom travel to Villa Park having picked up just one win in their last 12 Premier League games.