diff --git a/nova/test.py b/nova/test.py
index 812ff435dce8..881718b30390 100644
--- a/nova/test.py
+++ b/nova/test.py
@@ -586,8 +586,8 @@ class TestCase(testtools.TestCase):
             error.difference = difference
             raise error
 
-    def assertXmlEqual(self, expected, observed):
-        self.assertThat(observed, matchers.XMLMatches(expected))
+    def assertXmlEqual(self, expected, observed, **options):
+        self.assertThat(observed, matchers.XMLMatches(expected, **options))
 
     def assertPublicAPISignatures(self, baseinst, inst):
         def get_public_apis(inst):