Where: The Hawthorns
Who: West Bromwich Albion vs West Ham
When: 26.04.2014
Match tickets: Sold Out
Referee: Mike Dean
Sam Allardyce will target Saturday’s game at the Hawthorns as a chance to pick up three points for the first time in three games.
With rumours circulating that Allardyce must win one game out of the next three games to save his job, with Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City on the horizon this game represents the best chance for the Hammers to get to the magic 40-point mark.
The pressure is mounting on Allardyce and his men, having not won in three; Saturday’s defeat to Palace meant the Irons struggle for form continued.
In the week in which the Dudley born manager admitted his West Ham side has underachieved this season, he will want to prove to doubting Hammers fans that the Irons can play proper football.
He said: “That’s the same every season. Last season was an over achievement and I think this season has been an under achievement up to now. There is certain circumstance as to why that’s been the case, as we all know. They’ve all been documented, not just us a business but also publicly. It’s been a tough one. The players and I are always learning and always know that we have to try to develop the team and move onto the next level.”
Now David Gold’s statement of “we’re safe” could be made to look foolish, should the Hammers fail to win any of their games this season, with City away the last game of the season is could be squeaky bum time for the Hammers faithful.
On the plus side for the Hammers, the Baggies seem to be leaking goals, with back-to-back late goals in recent home fixtures denying them victory, including a 3-3 draw with Spurs in their last fixture at the Hawthorns, a game in which the hosts led 3-0.
The Baggies are still in danger of relegation and manager Pepe Mel has called this game a cup final for the Midlanders.
Mel said: “The next game really is like a cup final, our whole season is on one game with West Ham, it’s the most important game since I became head coach. I hope stadium is full of our fans to help us”
A victory for either side would surely secure Premier League survival for another season, and with the Hammers blowing numerous chances to get to that magic 40 point mark on three occasions Allardyce and his men will want to finally get to that landmark.
Team News:
West Brom: West Brom defender Liam Ridgewell will miss at least two matches with the knee injury he suffered in the defeat by Manchester City on Monday.
Fellow defender Gareth McAuley will have a fitness test after missing that game with a calf problem.
West Ham: West Ham midfielder Matt Taylor has been given compassionate leave to be with his ill daughter.
On-loan forward Marco Borriello is sidelined, but defender Guy Demel could return after overcoming a virus.
Match Facts: Five of the last six games between the two sides have finished in draws, a result that happened earlier this season at Upton Park that finished 3-3.
West Ham edge the overall stats in the last ten games with the Baggies on winning once in their last ten meetings with the Hammers.
Last Five:
West Brom:
Sat 22/03/14 PRL Hull City 2 – 0 West Brom
Sat 29/03/14 PRL West Brom 3 – 3 Cardiff City
Sat 05/04/14 PRL Norwich City 0 – 1 West Brom
Sat 12/04/14 PRL West Brom 3 – 3 Tottenham
Mon 21/04/14 PRL Manchester City 3 – 1 West Brom
West Ham:
Wed 26/03/14 PRL West Ham 2-1 Hull City
Mon 31/03/14 PRL Sunderland 1-2 West Ham
Sun 06/04/14 PRL West Ham 1-2 Liverpool
Tue 15/04/14 PRL Arsenal 3 – 1 West Ham
Sat 19/04/14 PRL West Ham 0 – 1 Crystal Palace
Famous matches:
- West Brom 3-3 West Ham 12.02.2011- The Hammers fell 3-0 behind before the break only for a Demba Ba brace and a brave Carlton Cole header brought the Hammers back level, which gave the Hammers a glimmer of hope in the relegation season under Avram Grant.
- West Bromwich Albion 1-2 West Ham United 23.02.2003- A brace from Trevor Sinclair gave the Hammers a valuable away win at the Hawthorns.
Where to drink: The main away day pub is named The Vine which is a 20 minute walk from the ground. If you’re travelling with kids and looking for a safe environment to drink travel to The Park Hotel which is a ten minute walk to the ground.
Bowdenwhu Predicts- West Brom 2-2 West Ham
Come on you Irons!
Three points from three games, only 40 points will guarantee survival, if we have to rely on other teams being worse than us then it should be thanks but no thanks Mr Alladyce. Give a more forward thinking manager the reins Malky Macky or David Moyes would be my choice.
Sam says “Its all about winning”, How come we are not top of league??
Could it be Sams fault ? Shame Sam’s not a skilled craftsman as a skilled craftsman would never blame his tools for a crap job.