West Brom vs West Ham Prediction - Valuable points on offer

West Bromwich Albion will fervently hoping that they manage a win or two in the remaining 4 games that they have this season. They have lost only 13 games in the Premier League this season, which is equal to 10^th placed Stoke City. What has been the bane of the season has been the ridiculous amount of draws that they have played out, numbering 15 in total. If they could have converted at least one or two of those draws into wins, they would have been comfortably sitting higher up the table, and wouldn’t have had to worry about the relegation battle.

Of the 9 teams that still have the probability to get relegated to the Championship at the end of the season, West Ham United are sitting safely high up, in 12^th place. But they won’t be safe from the drop unless they manage a win from their remaining 3 games of the season. In fact, 3 draws from the 3 games would still be enough to guarantee the Hammers another season in the top flight of English football. Sam Allardyce is a master when it comes to arresting slides, and this is one he will have to take quick control of, following their 3 straight losses that has put his side in jeopardy.

This is another game where the stakes are high in terms of who ends up in the bottom 3. At the outset, both teams do look relatively safe. But as already stated, unless they get the necessary points that guarantee their safety, anything can happen. Traditionally, teams need 40 points to ensure survival in the Premier League. This season, it may not be necessary to get 40 points, but they certainly need as many as they can get. While it is improbable that the bottom 3 teams will win all their remaining games, neither team can afford to take the risk and should look to gain maximum points.

Injuries

West Bromwich Albion are currently without Liam Ridgewell and Zoltan Gera, who are both out with long term injuries. Even Gareth McAuley, who is scheduled to make a comeback for this weekend’s game is a doubtful case.

West Ham United have no new injury worries apart from Borriello, who is out for the long term with a shin injury, and Demel, who is out due to illness. Barring these two, the rest of the squad is fit for selection.

Head to Head

West Bromwich Albion and West Ham United have played each other a total of 80 times, and neither team has the upper hand in these clashes. West Brom have notched up 33 wins while West Ham is right up there with 32 wins of their own. The rest of the 15 games have ended in a draw. So, even historically, this has been an evenly contested clash, and could be no different this weekend too.

Form

West Bromwich Albion – LDWDL

West Ham United – LLLWW

Prediction – West Brom Albion 2-1 West Ham United

West Brom have certainly not been shy of scoring goals, but it shutting out the opposition that has been their main problem. But being only 3 points away from relegation will give them the impetus they need to hold out against a West Ham team that is short of confidence after 3 straight losses.