These two sides head into this crunch game with polar opposite mindsets judging by their recent form guides. West Ham are continuing to fly high up in fifth place after a 1-0 over 10 man Newcastle United at the weekend – an important win coming off the back of a 2-1 defeat to Everton. Meanwhile, West Brom are continuing to struggle after a fairly bright start saw them comfortably into midtable – that comfort has now disappeared. The Baggies are now just two points clear of the relegation zone after a run of just one win in six Premier League matches and although West Brom were decent in patches against Arsenal, they need to start winning fast if they are to avoid being dragged into an ugly bottom end scrap.Â
Team News
West Brom
West Brom have three injury problems heading into Tuesday’s clash with Jonas Olsson the most important worry. The imposing centre-back has a calf problem which could see him out until beyond the New Year period whilst Silvestre Varela is also out with groin strain. James Morrison is also a doubt through illness.
Away from injuries, Saido Berahino was judged to be in a fit mindset to play against Arsenal at the weekend despite his drink driving arrest during the week so expect the young Englishman to start once again.
West Ham
West Ham have three key injury doubts heading into this game but all three could make it despite the concerns over their fitness. Midfielder Alex Song has a knee problem to overcome whilst strikers Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho have slight knocks of their own to come through. Sam Allardyce would love for all three to be fit for this away trip to the Hawthorns.
Interesting Facts
- Saido Berahino has scored in both his previous appearances against West Ham United – one was an equaliser at Upton Park whilst the other was a winner at the Hawthorns – possibly a crumb of comfort for Baggies supporters.
- Five of the last seven Premier League meetings between these two sides have ended as a stalemate, with one win each in the remaining two matches.
- West Ham create an average of 10.77 chances per 90 minutes (p90) whereas West Brom average just 8.08.
- West Ham also complete more key passes p90 – 9.46 vs 7.38.
- West Brom have scored just 13 goals this season which gives them an average of one per game compared to West Ham who have bagged 21 already this term.
Key Men
Saido Berahino
Despite being in the papers for the wrong reasons in recent days, Saido Berahino has enjoyed a fine season so far for West Brom. The striker was recently called up to Roy Hodgson’s England squad and, although not selected for any match time, the youngster has proved to be West Brom’s shining light in what has become a difficult patch of form.
Berahino is becoming a versatile player in the way that he can set up teammates, score and compete for different types of chances but his overall involvement in games must improve, or West Brom need to find him with the ball more because his figures should be higher for the talented player he is.
On average, Berahino creates just 0.78 chances p90 for his teammates – not bad for an out and out striker whose first instinct is to shoot himself but this shows how little he sees of the ball before he is played through on goal or shooting first time from a cross. This figure is mimicked by his key passes total, which also stands at an average of 0.78. This could improve over time but West Brom’s tendency to hit Berahino early whilst he is isolated could be a factor which explains why this stat isn’t a little higher.
Berahino’s scoring form has been excellent so far this season and he nearly added another to his total against Arsenal at the weekend as he struck the bar with a looping header. So far, Berahino has scored in over half of his appearances this season with the striker netting seven times since August. Berahino is also a feisty player when it comes to competing with opposition defenders and midfielders – so far, his total duels won percentage stands at an ok 41.41%.
For the Baggies’ faithful, let’s hope Berahino is fit and firing otherwise West Ham could find themselves posting another impressive away win.
Mark Noble
Mark Noble has been one of West Ham’s best players this season and his contribution seems to go under the radar for the most part. The long time West Ham midfielder provides important cover for the Hammers’ defence and whilst he also tries to influence the game up front as much as possible too, an impressive work ethic is his greatest strength.
This season has seen Noble become one of the strongest passers in the Premier League with the Englishman posting a pass completion average of 86%. This next figure is extremely impressive and shows the character and guile of Noble. So far this term, Noble has won an awesome 87.50% of his aerial duels despite not being the tallest of players or the most physical. Noble also wins a good amount of his total duels, which include tackles and take-ons alongside aerial contests. At the moment, Noble has won 51.52% of his total duels, which clearly means he emerges with the ball most of the time. Coming back to the point about his protection for the back four, Noble completes an average of 2.13 interceptions p90 which provides invaluable cover for West Ham’s defence and midfield. This stops many opposition attacks before they fully form.
Prediction
West Brom defended well against Arsenal and were unlucky not to get a draw from the game but I think that performance will have taken too much out of them. I think this game will result in another West Ham win. I’m going for 2-1 to the Hammers.
