West Brom: Grant must be axed for Dike


West Bromwich Albion were arguably sufferers of the enforced World Cup break, given how it seemed like Carlos Corberan had completely transformed their season in such a short space of time.

Having picked up a Baggies team languishing in the relegation zone, three wins on the spin alongside three consecutive clean sheets finally saw them crawl to safety, although it remains only by goal difference.

It was clear that the Spaniard had identified the goalscoring problem as an issue for the future, seeking to fix only what he could control in the form of strict organisation in the backline.

However, if he wants to truly fulfil his ambitions of a Premier League return with West Brom, he will have to rectify their record of just 24 goals in 20 Championship games.

He might have the answer to his problems returning at the perfect time, however, as both he and Steve Bruce have suffered from the absence of Daryl Dike.

Having signed in January for a fee of over £7m, it was thought that alongside Karlan Grant the two would boast more than enough firepower for this division.

Who would be your starting striker?

Karlan Grant

Daryl Dike

Daryl Dike

However, having suffered a string of injuries, the American is yet to play more than four games for the club.

But, having scored on his return for the youth sides, he will surely boast full fitness when their next fixture rolls around.

The 22-year-old will have had a whole month to endear himself to the new manager, and given the toothless nature of Grant, it could spell the end for the £20k-per-week marksman who Colin Murray labelled “valuable” only last year.

This year however, he has just three goals in the league and has been a huge reason behind their lack of offensive threat.

He will be replaced by Dike, a man who scored nine in just 22 games for Barnsley and 19 in 41 for Orlando City.

Once branded as a “beast” by Nigel Quashie, his physical presence and goalscoring know-how will be a refreshing change at the Hawthorns.

He could be key in a true turnaround for West Brom, who will need to add a consistent stream of goals in order to capitalise on their newfound defensive solidity.





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