Stoke’s managerial changeover will not influence Albion's approach to tonight’s Sky Bet Championship clash at the bet365 Stadium.
Slaven's side go into their live televised game with the focus sharpened by the Potters' decision to opt for a regime change on Friday.
But Darnell Furlong says he and his team mates were already braced for a determined response from their neighbours following their recent struggles.
And the full-back reminds the 2,500 Albion army in the stadium that the home club’s squad has the quality to cause any opposition difficulties.
"That’s the problem with them - we know they are going to be fighting at the moment, they’re going to be really strong with their attitude and we know what type of football to expect,” said Darnell.
"They’ve got a lot of big names, a lot of signings in the summer who are trying to prove themselves, so it’s going to be a very tough game. There are no easy games in the Championship but that is going to be an extremely tough one.”
And like so many others, Darnell is surprised to see Stoke currently struggling in the bottom three.
"I was at QPR with Jordan Cousins last season and when he went there I thought, that’s a great move for him, they’re going to be challenging at the top end of the table,” he added.
"I was very surprised with how they’ve been doing recently, but I’m sure they’ll pick up and will be fighting back in the second half of the season.”