Albion have made four changes for their FA Cup opener – and given Pascal Gross the armband.

But there is no place for Leandro Trossard in the 20-man matchday squad to face Middlesbrough.

The Belgium international has been warned to up his game by head coach Roberto De Zerbi.

Speaking yesterday, De Zerbi said: "I want players that work for the team on the pitch and Leandro knows very well my opinion, my idea. I've spoken a lot of times with him.

"I like him as a player, but I want more from him, because he can play better, he can work harder, he can run more on the pitch and I want players who give 100 per cent in every training session and every game.

"Without these characteristics, then they can't play with me.

"I don't know if it's the World Cup or what. I have to watch what my player does on the pitch. If there is a problem, I'm always open to understanding, to help my players in all situations, but on the pitch I want 100 per cent always.I can't understand 80 per cent, 90 per cent."

"He's one of the best players for us and one of the most important players for us. I'd like to always play with Leo in the first eleven, but it doesn't depend only on me, it depends on Leo."

Jan Paul Van Hecke is a notable starter in defence today in place of Lewis Dunk while Tariq Lamptey plays at right-back.

Adam Lallana returns to the XI and Jason Steele is in goal.

Danny Welbeck is among the subs after injury as, more unexpectedly, is Adam Webster.

Middlesbrough make just once change to their side which won at Birmingham in midweek.

Their XI includes 13-goal top scorer Chuba Akpom, the former Albion striker who these days is enjoying a role just off the main frontman.

Middlesbrough: Steffen; Smith, Fry, McNair, Giles; Forss, Hackney, Howson, McGree; Akpom; Crooks. Subs: Roberts, Jones, Mowatt, Muniz, Archer, Hoppe, Watmore, Bola, Gitau.

Albion: Steele; Lamptey, Van Hecke, Colwill, Estupinan; Caicedo, Gross; March, Lallana, Mitoma, Ferguson. Subs: McGill, Webster, Veltman, Gilmour, Mac Allister, Sarmiento, Enciso, Welbeck, Undav.