West Ham United will take on West Bromwich Albion in what could be a pretty good game this weekend. The Baggies are six points clear of the Hammers and Bilic’s men will close it to three they manage to break their adamant defence. Here are the key areas where the battle could be won or lost.
Salomon Rondon vs Jose Fonte
The Venezuela international has been unstoppable at times for West Bromwich Albion and manager Tony Pulis will bank on the centre forward to convert the chances he gets. Pulis’ precautionary tactics have always given a very small window of scoring for his attackers and if not for this clinical striker, the Baggies would have struggled to be in the top half of the table. Rondon has scored seven times so far in the league
He will be up against West Ham United’s new recruit Jose Fonte. The Portuguese international has taken the place of James Collins and has been quite assuring in his displays. A seasoned centre-half, Fonte will be difficult to shake off for Rondon. Fonte’s big frame also makes him a huge asset for the Hammers from set-pieces, whether in scoring or clearing the ball, and Rondon will have to be at his best to beat him.
Robert Snodgrass vs Darren Fletcher
The former Hull City’s transfer to London Stadium has been pretty talked about last month and fans have huge expectations from the player, who has filled the gap left by their former star Dimitri Payet. Whether it is set-pieces or open play, the Scottish international could be deadly with his sublime right foot and the Baggies cannot give the playmaker any sort of liberty in the attacking third.
Pulis will have his experienced general and skipper, Darren Fletcher, take care of him. Fletcher has been one of the most experienced midfielders in the league and knows every tactic to keep such a threat under the lid.
Andy Carroll vs Craig Dawson
West Ham United’s reviving run could be very much attributed to the big English forward. The centre-forward has been breath-taking in front of the goal of late. He has scored six goals in 12 appearances so far and it includes the mind-blowing overhead kick, which took the league by storm. He will be looking for an early breakthrough against the Baggies.
Pulis will have Gareth McAuley to stop Carroll and undoubtedly, the centre-half will have a huge task keeping him in check. The 37-year-old has an immense experience to cope with such challenge and although McAuley won’t have the height advantage, his positioning could make all the difference.
