Home Premier League Arsenal West Ham United v West Bromwich Albion preview

West Ham United v West Bromwich Albion preview

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West Ham United face West Bromwich Albion in a crunch game at Upton Park today, with Sam Allardyce’s men looking to crawl themselves out the relegation zone. 

The Hammers have won just one Barclays Premier League games in 11 attempts  with the pressure mounting on boss Sam Allardyce to turn things around with high expectations surrounding the East London club. 

West Ham have found it tough in recent weeks, and following the Boxing Day defeat at home to Arsenal, things are looking rather bleak for Allardyce’s side, with the Irons slipping to 19th in the Premier League table, as Allardyce walking on a tightrope. 

The Hammers vastly improved performance, especially in attack, against Arsenal on Boxing Day has lightened the mood on the Upton Park terraces ahead of the visit of the Baggies. 

However, goals have been rather hard to come by, after the side have only scored three times in their last five Premier League fixtures, and with injuries and suspentions heaping up on the squad, things look tough for the Hammers, with Andy Carroll sidelined for another couple of months or so. 

Team news wise, the Hammers could be without James Collins, with Spanish keeper Adrian looking set to keep his place in goal, ahead of veteran Finnish keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen. 

With a recovering Andy Carroll unlikely to make a surprise appearance to repeat the 3-1 win for the Hammers the last time they met, West Ham will rely heavily on captain Kevin Nolan and defender James Tomkins., with Nolan returning from his ban. 

West Bromwich Albion head into the fixture in mixed form, havin recently sacked Steve Clarke, following a defeat against Cardiff City, the Baggies have struggled to recapture the impressive form which saw the Midlands club finish Eighth in the Premier League table. 

And with managerial uncertainty surrounding the club, the Baggies may face an uphill battle to get a result against a spirited Hammers side. 

Despite their form, the Baggies picked up a positive point away at Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane on Boxing Day, as the Baggies battled to a 1-1 draw. 

With the likes of Matej Vydra, Shane Long and Morgan Amalfitano to add spice to the attack. 

By Ben Reardon 

@BenReardon1


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