After experiencing a disappointing 2021/22 campaign in the Championship, West Bromwich Albion will be determined to make an encouraging start to the new term under the guidance of manager Steve Bruce.

One of the individuals who will be determined to impress at this level is Daryl Dike.

Signed by West Brom earlier this year for a fee believed to be in excess of £7m from Orlando City, the forward would have been hoping to deliver the goods during the second half of the season.

However, Dike suffered a hamstring injury against Peterborough United in January and was unavailable for selection during the remainder of the term.

In the absence of the 22-year-old, West Brom meandered their way to a 10th-place finish in the Championship standings as they struggled with their consistency at this level.

Having now made a return to fitness, Dike could potentially lead the line for the Baggies in their clash with Middlesbrough this weekend.

Making reference to Dike, Carlton Palmer has predicted that the forward could potentially score up to 20 goals in the new term in a West Brom shirt.

Speaking to Football League World, Palmer said: "Over the course of his career he's scored one every two games.

"You know, when he came in last season it was a difficult one.

"He was playing in Orlando and it's not going to be the same as the level of playing in the Championship fitness-wise and he ended up picking up a hamstring injury.

"He's had a good pre-season, he scores one in two, I think he's anywhere near 20 goals for the season.

"Anywhere near 20 goals for the season."

 

 

The Verdict

Whereas Dike missed a chunk of action last season, he did impress during his loan spell in the Championship with Barnsley in the 2020/21 campaign.

When you consider that the forward managed to score nine goals in 21 appearances at this level for the Tykes, Palmer's prediction may turn out to be spot-on if Dike plays in most of West Brom's league fixtures.

The forward is likely to benefit from the presence of Jed Wallace who has provided 40 assists in the Championship during his career.

By building a rapport with Wallace and the rest of his West Brom team-mates, Dike could potentially go on to set the second-tier alight with his attacking displays.