Five Talking Points - WBA

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Repeat performance

West Ham United have not kept a clean sheet in their last seven Premier League matches dating back to a 3-0 victory at West Bromwich Albion on 30 April.

In those seven games, the Hammers have conceded 17 goals, winning just twice – the thrilling 3-2 victory over Manchester United in the Final Game at the Boleyn Ground, and the 1-0 victory over AFC Bournemouth in the first home league game at London Stadium.

Slaven Bilic has spoken of the need for his team to rediscover the resilience that served them so well, so often, last term.

A repeat of the dominant defensive display the Hammers put on at The Hawthorns and a first clean sheet in nearly six months would both be most welcome.

No repeat performance

While West Ham will want to repeat their last performance at West Brom, they will want to avoid any repeat of their last Premier League performance.

After going two goals clear against Watford last weekend, the Hammers fell apart, allowing the hitherto stingless Hornets to score four unanswered goals at London Stadium.

Bilic admitted to feeling ‘angry’ afterwards will simply not tolerate a similar performance at The Hawthorns.

West Ham will need to work harder and be more aware defensively, both individually and collectively, keep their discipline and be more clinical when they do create chances against what will be an organised, determined home side.

Takeover time

West Bromwich Albion have won just one of their last 14 Premier League matches – a run which has caused disquiet among Baggies supporters and placed manager Tony Pulis under increased scrutiny.

Pulis’ position has further come into the spotlight following the completion of a takeover of the West Midlands club by Chinese investors.

Often, a change in ownership is followed by a period of transition and uncertainty. If that is the case at an already unhappy Hawthorns on Saturday, then West Ham need to take full advantage.

Full squad ahead

Slaven Bilic was asked about his injured quartet of Aaron Cresswell, Andy Carroll, Andre Ayew and Diafra Sakho in his pre-West Brom press conference.

The manager revealed that all four are progressing well in their rehabilitation programmes and could all be back in action soon.

While others may suffer injuries and suspensions in the meantime, the Hammers will certainly have plenty of firepower at their disposal once the aforementioned quartet are back in action.

The questions will then be, who starts? And who sits on the substitutes’ bench?

Can they stop Antonio?

One look at the Premier League leading scorers table shows Michail Antonio at the top, alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Diego Costa – illustrious company indeed.

The in-form winger has looked unstoppable since being restored to his original position on the right wing, and on Saturday he is likely to be matched against young left-back Brendan Galloway.

The 20-year-old on-loan Everton defender will certainly have his hands full, making the 7/1 Betway are offering for Antonio to score the game’s first goal a distinctly tantalising bet!