An early kick-off and an appearance live on BT Sport. One of the Welsh sides in the Premier League visit Upton Park on Saturday. West Ham are looking for their first home win of 2014, with their last victory being against fellow Welsh side Cardiff City. The two sides have met just three times in recent history. Both sides have picked up a victory and drawn the other. In the earlier meeting this season the sides took part in stalemate 0-0.
Swansea have been relatively shaking in comparison to last season, where they impressed many. They have been picking up victories regularly, however, most of these victories have been in the three cup competitions, which are available to Swansea. The Swans have won their last two: versus Birmingham City in the FA Cup and a home victory against Fulham mid-week.
West Ham’s luck looks to be turning after a fantastic point earned away at Stamford Bridge mid-week. With the returning Andy Carroll and the arriving Antonio Nocerino and Marco Borriello, the tide is perhaps turning for the Hammers.
Swansea are without an away Premier League win in their last five. Both sides have very similar league form going into the Saturday clash, and although 7 places separate the sides, that gap is only 5 points.
Team News
West Ham
Joey O’Brien will miss out versus Swansea after dislocating his shoulder versus Chelsea mid-week. Mohamed Diame also went off injured versus Chelsea and is likely to miss out. Joe Cole is also still a doubt. Winston Reid and Ricardo Vaz Te are both back in full training and may just full short of making the Swansea match.
Antonio Nocerino and Marco Borriello will both take their place on the bench. Andy Carroll will start up top again and Adrian will look for back-to-back Premier League assists.
Swansea
Michu is still a key player that Swansea are having to do without through injury. Jose Canas and Garry Monk are both out also, and Michel Vorm is still injured and Gerhard Tremmel will remain his stand in.
Deadline Day Transfers
West Ham welcomed in Colombian international Pablo Armero. The left-back signed on a season long loan from Lazio. He joined after the 12pm deadline however, so will be unavailable for today’s match.
Swansea also signed a new left back on deadline day, welcoming Jay Fulton from Falkirk. He will also be unavailable for the clash.
Prediction
Swansea are far from flowing with confidence, however, they have a talented side with passing prowess. No wins in 5 away from the Liberty Stadium for Swansea and they’ve only netted 2 goals in that period. The Hammers home form is far from where it should be, but with the return of some long-term injuries and the confidence from a hard earned point away at Chelsea, improvement in form is on the horizon.
Neither side has been particularly amongst the goals this season and the early kick offs rarely produced a bag full of goals. Therefore i’ll go for a solid clean sheet for West Ham and a much needed 3 points.
West Ham 1-0 Swansea City
