West Ham United FC vs West Bromwich Albion FC, Premier League 2020-2021, Today Match Prediction

West Ham United FC vs West Bromwich Albion FC Match Prediction & Analysis

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.

TEAMS PREVIEW

West Ham United FC Preview

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.

West Bromwich Albion FC Preview

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.