West Brom Vs West Ham - e-West Ham Preview

Article by e-West Ham Correspondent Brandon Freeman

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FA Premier League - The Hawthorns

Saturday 26th April 2014, K.O 15:00

Match Preview

Sam Allardyce’s men travel to The Hawthorns knowing three points will surely secure another season of top flight football for the hammers, whilst West Brom manager Pepe Mel has described the baggies encounter with West Ham as “Cup final”. West Brom currently sit in 16th place in the Barclays Premier League table and just three points above the drop zone following a 3-1 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Monday. West Ham meanwhile will be aiming to stop the rot following three consecutive defeats at the hands of Liverpool, Arsenal and Crystal Palace respectively. Sam Allardyce’s side occupy 12th place in the Premier League and seven points clear of 18th placed Cardiff, however Sam Allardyce has ruled out making preparations for next season while his side are still not mathematically safe.

Previous Meetings

The reverse fixture back in December proved to be a thrilling encounter at Upton Park. Joe Cole opened the scoring after just four minutes; however two goals on the stroke of half time from Nicolas Anelka meant the hammers trailed 2-1 at the break. The second half produced more excitement for both sets of fans as three goals were scored in the space of just four minutes, courtesy of goals from West Ham Captain Kevin Nolan and Mobido Maiga before Berahino equalised with twenty minutes remaining. The result kept West Ham in deep trouble, in the bottom three going into the New Year. West Ham’s last win over West Brom at the Hawthorns came in May 2006, courtesy of a goal from Nigel Reo-Coker just before half time as Alan Pardew’s men climbed to 9th in the table. The season would be a bitter sweet one however as West Ham would go on to suffer a heartbreaking defeat in the FA Cup final against Liverpool.

Team News

West Ham will be without the services of midfielder Matt Taylor who misses the game for personal reasons; whilst defender Joey O’Brien is unlikely to be included as he steps up his training from a dislocated shoulder suffered earlier in the season. Defender Guy Demel is likely to be recalled after missing the 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace through illness, whilst Italian striker Marco Borriello remains on the sidelines due to a calf injury. West Brom boss Pepe Mel will face a selection dilemma as defender Liam Ridgewell misses out, meaning midfielder Chris Brunt may be asked to step in at left-back. Gareth McAuley is expected to be involved but will face a late fitness test whilst Zoltan Gera will miss the game but is fighting to be available for the final week of the season.

e-West Ham Prediction

West Ham have been on a poor run of form and desperately need a result to dispel any lingering relegation fears, meanwhile West Brom face a tough run in and will see this game as a must win, however the baggies have struggled to hold a lead at The Hawthorns lately so we could be set for a nervy affair with neither team wanting to go all out.

West Brom 1-1 West Ham

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