Preview - WBA

All the essential information ahead of Sunday's game against West Bromwich Albion

The background

West Ham United will look to get back to winning ways this Sunday when they play host to West Bromwich Albion in the Barclays Premier League.

The Hammers were defeated 4-1 by Tottenham Hotspur in their last outing so will be wanting to put that heavy defeat behind them as soon as possible.

In fact, since defeating Chelsea in late October, they have picked up just one point from their last three games – in their last home match against Everton – a run that manager Slaven Bilic knows needs to end.

West Brom, meanwhile, are six places below the Hammers in 12th, four points worse off having won five, drawn two and lost six of their 13 league games to date.

The Baggies secured the notable scalp of Arsenal in their last match, as a goal from James Morrison and Mikel Arteta’s own goal gave them a 2-1 success.

That ended a run of two straight defeats for Tony Pulis’ men, who had been beaten by Leicester City and Manchester United in their previous matches.

Remember Sunday is our Cult Heroes day, so make sure you are in your seats at half time to welcome back a whole host of iconic figures back to the Boleyn Ground.

Important security information

With enhanced security checks taking place around the Boleyn Ground  for Sunday's game against West Bromwich Albion, supporters are advised to arrive earlier in order to allow time to clear security.

As every bag will be checked thoroughly, supporters are therefore advised not to bring any large bags or rucksacks where possible as this will delay their entry.

The Stadium will be opening earlier than usual to accommodate these extra checks ahead of the 2.05pm kick off, but the Club would like to stress that security will not be reduced in the event that queues form.

So please arrive earlier than normal to ensure you do not miss kick-off against the Baggies.

The history

This will be the 100th meeting between West Ham and the Baggies, with West Brom just leading the head-to-head record 39-38.

West Ham will hope to bring that back to level pegging having lost out in their last encounter – in the FA Cup fifth round in February.

In the league meetings last term, goals from Kevin Nolan and James Tomkins secured a 2-1 win at the Hawthorns, before Saido Berahino cancelled out Diafra Sakho’s opener for a 1-1 Boleyn Ground draw.

The match

Team news

West Ham United

The Hammers will be without the suspended pair of Mark Noble and James Collins for Sunday’s match. Noble is out having picked up five yellow cards this term, while Collins serves the final game of his three-match ban for a sending off in the 2-0 defeat at Watford.

Slaven Bilic will choose between Alex Song and the fit-again Pedro Obiang for the right to replace Noble in the Hammers midfield.

West Bromwich Albion

Chris Brunt is suspended for the Baggies, but as one player starts a ban, another finishes with defender Gareth McAuley available for selection again.

Baggies head coach Tony Pulis was keeping his cards close to his chest when he admitted he had a number of injury worries, but Jonas Olsson could continue at the back, while Salomon Rondon has been leading the line with Saido Berahino on the bench.

Match info

Match facts

  • Sunday’s referee is Martin Atkinson, with Mike Mullarkey and Stephen Child running the line. Kevin Friend is the fourth official
  • Six of the last nine Barclays Premier League meetings between West Ham and West Brom have ended as draws (West Ham two wins, West Brom one victory).
  • Four of the last five at Upton Park have ended all square (one West Ham win).
  • Saido Berahino has scored in four of his five appearances against West Ham in all competitions.
  • West Ham have used 26 players in the Premier League this season, a figure only Manchester United can match.
  • 65% of the goals West Ham have conceded have come in the first half, the highest proportion in the top division (13 out of 20).
  • The Hammers have gone eight games without a clean sheet and won just two of their last seven Premier League games (W2 D3 L2).
  • Only Aston Villa (34) have fired in fewer shots on target than West Brom this season (39).
  • The Baggies have won five of their last 10 Premier League away games, losing just three (D2).
  • Manuel Lanzini has scored in each of the last three Premier League matches where he has played the full 90 minutes.
 
Tickets, coverage, travel and other info
 
  • Tickets for this fixture have SOLD OUT.
  • A rainy Sunday is expected, with temperatures of 12C (54F) at kick-off.
  • There will be no Hammersmith & City line services to Upton Park on Sunday, but the District line is set to run as normal. Supporters who use the London Overground line between Barking-Gospel Oak should note that rail replacement buses will be running on that route. Click here for the latest info on the TfL network and here for National Rail.
  • If you’re not heading to the game make sure you keep up to date with all the action on our digital channels. Our live match centre has audio commentary, text updates, in-running stats and the best pictures, and you can get involved with the conversation on social using the hashtag #WHUWBA.