The 34-year-old Frenchman is yet to find the back of the net since his summer move and he missed a couple of great chances in the 1-1 draw with his former club Arsenal at the weekend.
But Clarke believes Anelka will find his form with the Baggies.
"Nicolas is an experienced striker and he knows he was in the right position. The first chance actually arrived a little bit behind him, which meant it was difficult to finish," he told the Express and Star.
"For the second one he did almost everything right. He opened the goal up and just put it the wrong side of the post - we're talking inches.
"On another day he could have scored both. Strikers need goals and 'Nico' is experienced enough to know if he keeps getting in those positions he'll score goals."