Bruno is bracing himself for two sharply contrasting tests in the climax to Albion’s pre-season programme.

Tonight’s hosts Gillingham have been warming up for the launch of their League One campaign at home to Sheffield United on August 8 against the likes of Bromley and Dover.

Sunday’s Amex visitors Sevilla, still in the embryonic stage of their preparations and off the back of a clash with Bundesliga outfit Werder Bremen, face Premier League newcomers Watford 24 hours prior to tackling the Seagulls.

The Europa League double-holders then have a Super Cup showdown with Champions League winners Barcelona next month before launching into their La Liga campaign at Malaga on August 23.

They are two diverse assignments for Albion and yet equally significant in the context of readying themselves for the arrival of Nottingham Forest to open the English season on August 7.

Bruno is not anticipating an easier ride in Kent this evening against Albion’s former landlords, who are likely to be without captain and ex-Seagull Doug Loft due to a calf injury.

He said: “They are different challenges. Gillingham is going to be really tough. I know they are a good team. Games in League One are always tough and after that Sevilla are a top, top team in Europe.

“They have a strong squad. We know they are playing Friday against Watford but they have Unai Emery as manager and he always likes to have 22 strong players in the squad. It’s going to be really, really tough and a good test for us. We know their potential and we have to give 100% to be ready five days later for Forest at home.”