West Bromwich Albion boss Steve Clarke is bracing himself for a tough run after the international break.

Clarke believes the next game against champions Manchester City on Saturday week kicks off a spell building up to the turn of the year when the campaign will start taking shape.

"I think we are where we are," said the Hawthorns boss to the WBA website.

"We don't need to be tested.

"We've had a good start and proved we can stand up to anyone at The Hawthorns - and we hope to do that against Manchester City.

"My opinion is the season starts after this international break.

"This is the juncture where you fight for position and the next run of game takes you into November and December where the season really takes shape and you have a run of tough matches."