West Ham United FC
West Bromwich Albion FC
West Bromwich Albion FC
West Ham and West Brom aim to continue winning form in midweek clash
West Ham to win 1-0
Both West Ham and West Brom fought hard for narrow victories at the weekend, earning three valuable points in their quest for places higher up the table.
The Hammers kept alive their dream of bringing European football to the club next season with a third 1-0 victory in a row over a solid Burnley side.
West Ham had previously struggled for form at the end of 2020, but have started this year well with back-to-back victories in the league. With three of their next five matches coming up against bottom half teams, they’ll feel confident about continuing that form.
West Brom claimed their first league win under new manager Sam Allardyce in a thrilling 3-2 victory over Wolves. It was only the second time this season that they’ve scored more than twice in the league and took them a step closer to safety.
Form Guide (all comps): DDWWW
Reasons to be cheerful:
Unbeaten in last five matches in all competitions
Four consecutive clean sheets
Reasons to be fearful:
Plenty of work still to do as teams around them continue to win
West Brom under Big Sam could be building momentum
West Ham have their best chance in years of securing a fantastic league position at the end of this season, one which could bring them European football.
After West Brom, they face Crystal Palace, Fulham and Sheffield United within their next five fixtures – all of them winnable against teams who are finding it difficult to pick up points.
Against The Baggies, West Ham have no new injury concerns and are likely to play the same team that beat Burnley at the weekend.
They’ve also kept four clean sheets on the bounce, a remarkable achievement for any side this season, although will be wary of a big performance from their old manager, now at West Brom.
Big Sam will be eager to get one over on his old club, especially if it helps him get West Brom to safety.
Star Man – Michail Antonio
Returned to the scoresheet at the weekend – the 30 year old has been missed at times when he has been injured.
Form Guide (all comps): DLLLW
Reasons to be cheerful:
First win under the new manager will be a huge boost
Won their last fixture against West Ham
Reasons to be fearful:
Remain five points adrift of safety
Johnstone and Phillips miss out through Covid-19 test
As is often the case, getting that first win under your belt can be the spark that helps West Brom go on and rescue their season.
There is a long way to go of course – they are five points adrift of safety – but they will now have greater hope of pulling it off than they did a couple of weeks ago.
Sadly, they are at a disadvantage here due to the players they will be missing. Sam Johnstone has been excellent in goal this season, but he must miss out due to Covid-19 and Diangana is likely to miss out due to injury.
Conor Gallagher will be back after a one-match suspension.
Star Man – Matheus Pereira
His two very well-taken penalties against Wolves helped them to victory and his quality can cause trouble for West Ham.
West Ham are favourites but they’ll be pushed hard
Likely to be one goal separating them
West Ham’s player availability could be key
West Brom will come into this one with a renewed sense of confidence after their victory over Wolves, but it will still be a hard road from here onwards.
The Hammers will have a spring in their step knowing what they can achieve if they continue to play well, and are favourites to grab three points here – it’ll be tight, however.
West Ham to win 1-0
