Steve Bruce has confirmed that strikers Daryl Dike and Karlan Grant will be competing to lead the line this weekend.

The Baggies boss has also refused to rule out the possibility that Kenneth Zohore could have a role to play this season.

Zohore has not yet made much of an impression with the team during their pre-season preparations, but the 61-year old has faith he could be of use to the squad.

Dike has still yet to make much of an impact with West Brom since arriving last January due to injury issues that have held back his ability to compete.

But the American has performed well in pre-season, including scoring a fine goal in a friendly against Hertha Berlin last weekend.

Meanwhile, Grant was the team’s top scorer in the Championship last season, bagging 18 goals while also contributing six assists.

This has given the former Newcastle United boss a selection headache that he is happy to have going into Saturday evening’s opening day clash with Middlesbrough.

“Of course they’re competing,” said Bruce, via Express & Star.

“Competition is what I try to create. We had a meeting where I said to them, ‘if we’re going to be successful, we’re going to need a squad of players’. 

“They’re going head-to-head. Can we bring Zohore in to the action as well? He’s trying.

“It’s been difficult for him but the more competition you’ve got, the better.”

 

 

Bruce expressed mild concern for Dike due to the nature of his absence from the side since his arrival, but he has backed his front line to perform well no matter who is chosen to start this weekend.

The Verdict

Grant was the central figure to West Brom’s attack for the majority of last season and performed quite well.

But given the resources that went into bringing Dike to the club, the American must surely be given a chance to prove his worth.

It will be a difficult decision for Bruce to make, but one most managers would be happy to have.

Given Dike’s confidence boost from his goal against Hertha Berlin, he may be the one chosen to take on Chris Wilder’s side.