Can West Ham Continue Their Run Against The Baggies?

West Ham United travel to West Bromwich Albion knowing that another three points would sustain their utterly mesmorising and decidedly unlikely bid for one of the Premier League`s European places.

The Hammers picked up five points from four games in November after managing to rack up a three match unbeaten run in October. The results have seen Sam Allardyce`s men flying high at the top end of the Premier League. They currently sit in fifth position.

It`s been a different story for the Baggies whose last win away at Leicester City was right back at the start of the month. Since that result, the Black Country club have failed to pick up a point in their last three games, falling to defeats against all of Newcastle (2-0), Chelsea (2-0) and Arsenal (1-0).

What`s worse for manager Alan Irvine is that his team have failed to score a goal in any of those matches. Indeed, even their goal against Leicester was the result of Esteban Cambiasso putting the ball into his own net. The bookmakers, however, are confident that Irvine`s side will turn it around. paddy Power make the home side 1/4 to break their profligate duck at home tonight.

Not only that but it is West Brom who have been installed as the favourites for victory tonight. Thirty to eight (bet365, Bwin) says that the Midlands club will end the Upton Park outfit`s dream run. Top scorer Saido Berahino is also considered the best proposition to grab the Baggies` much needed goal. The eight-time scorer, and only West Brom player to score more than one goal this season, is 19/10 with Bwin to hit the back of the net at any time.

West Ham began the month with consecutive draws, fighting back to tie 2-2 away at Stoke City before earning themselves a goalless tie against Aston Villa. Both Enner Valencia and Stewart Downing got their names on the scoresheet as their side fought back from 2-0 down to leave the Britannia Stadium with a point.

Mauro Zarate`s effort just after half time levelled up as Romelu Lukaku hit the opener in the side`s clash with Everton at Goodison Park. Unfortunately for the Hammers, they were unable to share the spoils for the third time in succession after Leon Osman provided the winner with just over 15 minutes remaining.

It only took an Aaron Cresswell goal to beat Newcastle at the Boleyn Ground last time out. It was the Magpies` first defeat since the end of September and by beating them, further cemented the East Londoners` top 10 credentials.

Surely, if Allardyce`s men can scoop all three points against the Tyneside club on a run of six games without dropping a point, they can see off Albion who have only won two of their matches at the Hawthorns? A number of the major bookmaking names have priced the Hammers up at a generous 2/1 to seal victory over the Baggies. bet365, betfair, betfred and Totesport are all offering 12/5 on the game ending a draw after 90 minutes.

In team news, the home side will have to give late fitness tests to two of their key faces. Sebastien Pocognoli sustained a dead leg against the Gunners last time out and may be unavailable for selection tonight. Indeed, James Morrison is suffering from both a virus and an injury to his knee and may also be sidelined.

The Hammers can once again call upon full-back Winston Reid who is available after sitting out the Newcastle game following the suspension he picked up for accumulating five yellow cards. Mark noble is a doubt for the clash due to a niggling calf issue.

Go To bet365

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02/12/2014     © Frixo 2024