Albion face two very different tests when they lock horns with perhaps the best two strikers in the Championship over the next eight days.

They come up against 20-goal Troy Deeney when they face Watford at the Amex today.

Then comes a clash with Championship player of the year at Patrick Bamord at Middlesbrough next Saturday.

Deeney has the pace to get in behind defences and great movement across the back four in search of space.

He is also a strong physical presence.

When they meet Bamford, Albion will find a player who likes to drop off his defender, come short, make himself available for passes and link up play.

Albion's back line might be tempted to drop a little deeper against Deeney, especially if he is partnered by Matej Vydra.

But their former centre-back Guy Butters warned: "It's not just about the defenders.

"We can't afford to stand off them in midfield. Don't let them get their heads up when they play the ball forward."

Bamford has a priceless knack of being in the right place at the right time in the penalty area.

But ex-Albion midfielder Warren Aspinall, now a football scout, said: "Lee Tomlin plays just off him and he is the one who makes Boro play.

"Stop Tomlin and you could stop Bamford getting the ball. But it's not easy!"