West Brom threw themselves a lifeline on Saturday with a come from behind win against Black Country Derby rival Wolverhampton Wanderers, 3-2. Now, Sam Allardyce aims to lead his team to a second straight win against an in-form West Ham.
David Moyes’ side are ninth in the Premier League and unbeaten in four straight fixtures. The Hammers have won back-to-back league matches. They could move into the top seven with a win and results going their way elsewhere.
WWWThe highlights from our third win in a row ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/eR2nvF8Umm— West Ham United (@WestHam) January 16, 2021
WWWThe highlights from our third win in a row ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/eR2nvF8Umm
West Bromwich may have won at the weekend versus Wolves, but they are still four points from safety. The Baggies are chasing Burnley, who have lost back-to-back games and will face off with fourth-placed Liverpool this weekend.
Allardyce has a massive task on his hands. Looking at the table, it looks to be an impossible job. West Brom are unbeaten in three straight away matches. They picked up draws at Manchester City and Liverpool before winning at Wolves.
West Ham have taken 15 points from 27 at home. They are unbeaten in three straight matches at the London Stadium collecting five points from nine possible. West Ham are +3 in goals difference with 13 goals scored and 10 conceded.
The Hammers and West Brom met last season in the FA Cup. The Baggies won the fixture 1-0 thanks to a first-half goal from Conor Townsend.
Moyes has two players ruled out of the match heading into matchday 19. Defenders Arthur Masuaku and Fabian Balbuena are both out of the game with their respective injuries.
Allardyce has six players that are ruled out or could miss out on the match. Karlan Grant is ruled out through a cracked bone in his foot. Last season’s goalscorer Townend is ruled out with a knee issue.
The duo of Matt Phillips and Sam Johnstone is ruled out due to positive COVID-19 tests. Midfielder Grady Diangana has a hamstring injury and is ruled out. Meanwhile, Conor Gallagher is suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards.
West Ham are in the market to add further players to the squad. They missed out on Luka Jovic, who moved back to Eintracht Frankfurt on loan. Montpellier’s Gaetan Laborde and Marseille’s Morgan Sansone are both on the team’s wishlist.
West Brom have conceded at least two goals in their last three league matches. Allardyce is trying to put out the fire at West Brom, but won’t have it easy versus his former club, West Ham. The match should be close with both sides fighting to continue their winning.