West Ham United have a real chance to close the gap between them and the other top half sides. The Hammers are five points behind West Bromwich Albion and given their recent form, they will target a win. The Hammers are unbeaten in their last seven Premier League home games against the Baggies and West Brom’s last Premier League win away to West Ham came back in September 2002.
Team News
West Ham United – There is worrying news right in the attacking front for Slaven Bilic. West Ham United’s in-form striker Andy Carroll limped off in their last game against Southampton and has been diagnosed with a minor groin problem. He remains a major doubt for the game and the boss surely wouldn’t want to rush his best forward. The English striker could play a huge role for West Ham this season.
Other major doubts for the game are Cheikhou Kouyaté and Aaron Cresswell who are also unlikely to feature, although Sam Byram is back in training from his long-term hamstring injury and will be in contention for the game.
Other than that, West Ham’s long-term injury list remains more or less the same. Angelo Ogbonna remains sidelined with a knee injury, Diafra Sakho with a back injury, Arthur Masuaku and Gokhan Tore with a knee injury and Alvaro Arbeloa with a calf injury.
West Bromwich Albion – Tony Pulis’ injury list half as grave as Slaven Bilic’s and their safe playing style has a lot to credited for. Claudio Yacob is expected to return to the high-octane game after he missed the last game with a stomach problem.
Predicted Line-Up
West Ham United (4-4-2 formation): Randolph; Kouyaté, Fonte, Reid, Cresswell; Feghouli, Noble, Obiang, Snodgrass; Antonio, Carroll
West Bromwich Albion (4-3-3 formation): Foster; Nyom, Dawson, McAuley, Brunt; Fletcher, Livermore; Philips, Morrison, Chadli; Rondon
Key Players
West Ham United – Robert Snodgrass is the best player on the pitch for West Ham at the moment and Bilic will depend on him to get the score sheet ticking if Andy Carroll fails to recover before the game. Andre Ayew could take the striker’s role after he returned from AFCON. Mark Noble got his name on the scoresheet along with Pedro Obiang from the midfield and the duo would expect a similar feat this time.
West Bromwich Albion – James Morison played a huge role in West Brom’s last game and the manager would hope he continues his impressive display. Nacer Chadli has been one of the best players for the Baggies this season although injuries have often stalled his progress. He will be a huge threat for West Ham.
Odds
West Ham United – 6.5
Draw- 13.5
West Bromwich Albion – 9.4
