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Saturday’s win against Newcastle wasn’t pretty, but it did prove that we’re capable of grinding out results when it matters.

Aaron Cresswell showed great anticipation to continue his run and latch on to Cheikhou Kouyate’s scuffed attempt at goal for his first in the famous claret and blue, which shows what kind of player he is and the the shift in mentality within the team compared to last season.

The big boost for tonight is that we’re able to welcome back Enner Valencia. Diafra Sakho and Winston Reid to the matchday squad. Whether Allardyce starts with all three of them is a completely different matter, though.

We’d be shooting ourselves in the foot if we rush both Valencia and Sakho back from injury, while Tomkins and Collins’ performance on Saturday means Reid should not be thrown straight back in to the starting line up. Reid may find himself fighting for his place in the side if our other two centre-halves continue to perform like that, which is always a good thing in my book.

West Brom are in a bit of turmoil at the moment. Three consecutive Premier League defeats and just one win in their last seven outings means they’re one of the league’s out of form sides heading in to tonight’s  clash.

Some will say the only threat we face tonight is Saido Berahino, but we need to be cautious of a reaction from Alan Irvine’s side. He’s fighting to keep his job, while they’ll be eager to put such a poor run of results behind them with a home win.

That said, we’ve been strong away form home this season and should have enough to come away with all three points. If Man United slip up at home to Stoke, we could find ourselves back in the top four by tonight, which is always nice.

Prediction: Our top six bid continues. Three points.

Team News

West Bromwich Albion (15th, 13 points)

Sebastien Pocognoli will undergo a late fitness test after suffering a dead leg in the Baggies’ defeat to Arsenal on Saturday.

James Morrison will also be assessed after recovering from illness and a knee injury.

West Ham United (5th, 21 points)

Mark Noble took a knock on his calf in the win over Newcastle on Saturday and will undergo late tests.

Winston Reid is available again after serving a one game suspension, while both Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia are in the squad after missing the last two games through injury.

Possible starting XI

Last 10 Meetings

DateCompetitionVenueResult
26 Apr 2014Premier LeagueThe HawthornsL 1-0
28 Dec 2013Premier LeagueBoleyn GroundD 3-3
30 Mar 2013Premier LeagueBoleyn GroundW 3-1
16 Dec 2012Premier LeagueThe HawthornsD 0-0
12 Feb 2011Premier LeagueThe HawthornsD 3-3
10 Nov 2010Premier LeagueBoleyn GroundD 2-2
16 Mar 2009Premier LeagueBoleyn GroundD 0-0
13 Sep 2008Premier LeagueThe HawthornsL 2-3
1 May 2006Premier LeagueThe HawthornsW 1-0
5 Nov 2005Premier LeagueBoleyn GroundW 1-0

Match in Numbers

5 – Five of the last seven meetings between these sides have ended in draws

4 – But the Baggies are unbeaten in their last five games with West Ham at the Hawthorns (W2, D2)

1 – West Brom have registered just one win from their last seven Premier League outings

3 – And they’ve won just three of their last 21 Premier League games at home

12 – The Hammers have not kept a clean sheet on the road in 12 games

7 – West Ham’s last seven Premier League goals have been scored by seven different players

21 – West Ham are enjoying their best ever start to a Premier League season with 21 points from 13 games

1 – West Ham have lost just one of their last seven Premier League games

6 – And they have scored in all six of the away games in the top-flight this season

Fan Predictions

Head-to-Head (all competitions)

PlayedWonDrawnLostForAgainstGD +/-Win %
107412640170172-238.32%