West Ham’s status in the Premier League is still not mathematically secure, as they sit seven points above Swansea City with four games to go.
The Hammers need a points swing in their favour to secure their status in the top-flight, which could be handed to them this weekend if they beat Stoke and Swansea lose to Manchester United.
Whilst Slaven Bilic’s side will have confidence following a run of three games undefeated, they’ll be well ware that travelling to Staffordshire to face Stoke is always a difficult test.
However, Stoke were defeated by Swansea last weekend and the Premier League’s refereeing appointments for this weekend’s clashes have handed the Hammers a good omen.
Lee Probert will be the man in the middle for only the second time in the Premier League this season, as the official has spent the majority of the season in the Football League.
Probert missed the entirety of last season through injury and is now set to manage West Ham for the first time in four years- with his last game bringing back fond memories for the Hammers.
West Ham last saw Probert in the middle for their 3-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane in 2013, where goals from Winston Reid, Stewart Downing and Ricardo Vaz Te secured all three points.
The Hammers will hope for a similar victory this weekend, which would extend their advantage over the relegation zone to ten points as Swansea play on Sunday.
