Third-placed West Ham play hosts to fifth-placed West Brom in the EFL Championship on Saturday, October 31 (3pm kick-off).
The Hammers sit third but lost last weekend, going down 3-2 to Southampton. This was their first defeat since Charlton Athletic defeated the Londoners back in August.
The Baggies drew their last game against bottom-of-the-table Preston North End 1-1, but have taken seven points from their last nine.
West Ham are looking for an immediate return to the Premier League following relegation at the end of last season and with a plus 17 goal difference, you’d be brave to bet against promotion for the Hammers.
Nuno Espírito Santo’s side have scored an impressive 32 goals so far this season.
West Brom have been in the Championship since the end of the 2020/21 season – but they have made a brilliant start to life under James Morrison, losing just three times in 12 league games this season.
Players to watch
Jarrod Bowen and Joel Piroe could prove pivotal for West Ham as they look to pierce a Baggies defence that has conceded first in their last six matches.
Bowen faces a late fitness test but should shake off a twisted ankle to face West Brom.
Jimmy-Jay Morgan and Isaac Price will be vital for the Baggies. Morgan has seven goal involvements whilst Price has six.
The duo will be hoping to add to their own personal tallies against the Hammers.
The goalkeepers could also prove crucial. Mads Hermansen has four clean sheets in 12. Max O’Leary has just two shutouts in the same number of games.
Head-to-head
West Ham are unbeaten in their previous five against West Brom.
The Hammers have won three and drawn two in league competitions. In the last meeting back in May 2021, West Ham won 3-1.
The exception to this run comes in the FA Cup, where West Brom claimed a 1-0 win in January 2020.
Score prediction
West Ham 2 West Brom 1: West Brom will prove a tough test but the Hammers should be too strong for the Baggies.
Bowen and Piroe’s quality should be enough to unlock West Brom’s defence.
If the Hammers are to be beaten then the likes of Morgan and Price will need to bring their flair to The London Stadium.
By Rob Beezley
