West Ham take on West Brom on Saturday, with the Hammers looking to build on their first win of the season against Huddersfield whilst the Baggies will be hoping to bounce back after their poor result against Brighton last weekend.
Back to back wins for West Ham would do a world of good for not only the team, but also manager Slaven Bilic whose job looks to be in danger after a poor start to the campaign. However, West Brom will provide no easy test, with Tony Pulis’ men being tipped for big things this season.
West Ham will be without captain Mark Noble and playmaker Manuel Lanzini through injury, but there is a chance that Edmilson Fernandes may return after a spell on the sidelines. Marko Arnautovic is available for the Hammers after suspension, and will look to rectify his horrible start to life as a West Ham player.
West Brom on the other hand have issues of their own. The Baggies will be missing new signing Oliver Burke and veteran Gareth McAuley who played for the side’s U23 team last night. However, Nacer Chadli could be in contention for a return, as well as striker Hal Robson Kanu who is available after suspension.
West Brom have won just two of their last 13 matches versus West Ham in the Premier League (D8 L3), with both victories arriving at the Hawthorns (1-0 in April 2014 and 4-2 in September 2016). But Tony Pulis has lost just one of his last six Premier League managerial clashes versus West Ham, winning three and drawing two.
The Hammers have won just once in their last 10 Premier League away games (W1 D3 L6) and have kept only one clean sheet in their last 18 top-flight matches on the road. Star man Javier Hernandez could be key for them, having been directly involved in five goals in five Premier League appearances against West Brom (three goals, two assists).
Gareth Barry (631) is one appearance away from equalling Ryan Giggs’ (632) record of most games played in the Premier League. The veteran midfielder could also become the first player in PL history to make 600 starts (currently on 599).