Well, I said it’d take a miracle for Crystal Palace to score last weekend and Ryan Shawcross’ first half performance wasn’t short of that. In fact, Marouane Chamakh finding the net constitutes as an act of God doesn’t it?
Stoke City went in 1-0 down at half- time last week but after some wise words from Leslie, they came out fighting in the second half. Charlie Adam equalised and then captain fantastic Shawcross amended for his first half howler, securing Hughe’s first red and white 3 points.
West Ham travelled to Newcastle last week and if it hadn’t have been for Yoan Gouffran’s contender for miss of the season, they’d have struggled to return to London with a point. The game finished 0-0.
Both clubs eased past lower league opposition in midweek in the Capital One cup. West Ham saw off Cheltenham in a 2-1 win whilst the Potters turned over Walsall 3-1 at the Britannia, in a game that featured a hat-trick by Kenwyne Jones. That performance surely puts Jones in contention for his first start of the season. Peter Crouch has started Stoke’s two opening games and has been unimpressive, still failing to link up with the midfield and when he has been presented with chances, he has squandered them. A solid performance by whoever fills the lone- striker role will be necessary to shatter West Ham’s defence, who are yet to concede a Premier League goal this season.
Stoke City and West Ham have often been compared during the last few seasons, as links have been drawn between the two team’s playing styles. Last season West Ham grabbed the spoils and stole four points from the Potters, including a 1-0 win at the Britannia. It will be interesting to see how Stoke set-up on Saturday. During our time in the Premier League we have been guilty of playing for the draw away from home instead of going out and trying to win the game. Saturday’s test against West Ham is the first away game under Sparky against a team on a similar par to us, so will we look to attack from the off? 12 shots away at Anfield in Stoke’s season opener goes far to answer that question. Will hoof-ball prevail on Saturday or will Mark Hughes’ boys grab their first points on the road?
West Ham United Team News:
Andy Carroll is still out with a heel injury.
Player to watch: Kevin Nolan
The West Ham skipper has a license to roam for the Hammers. Lethal on corners and an all round pest, it is vital that he is monitored closely.
Stoke City Team News:
Mark Hughes has a clean bill of health as Brek Shea and Wilson Palacios both made midweek returns. New signing Oussama Assaidi could feature.
Player to watch: Kenwyne Jones
Sparky surely can’t ignore our midweek hat-trick hero. Kenwyne is high in confidence and unplayable on his day, a perfect recipe for goals.
Match Facts & Stats
West Ham
West Ham are unbeaten in all competitions so far this season.
West Ham Average Pass Accuracy: 71% (via Squawka)
West Ham Average Shot Accuracy: 29% (via Squawka)
Stoke City
Stoke City are yet to keep a clean sheet in all competitions this season.
Stoke City Average Pass Accuracy: 79% (via Squawka)
Stoke City Average Shot Accuracy: 59% (via Squawka)
Match Prediction:
I predicted the Stoke win last week but I was a whisker away from predicting the correct score. Home advantage will play its part but I can see Mark Hughes going for this.
Hopefully I’m one goal away again this week and we can steal a win…..
1-1
Next Fixtures:
Stoke face a tough test against Manchester City at the Britannia stadium, whilst West Ham take on Southampton at St. Mary’s. Both games are to played after the international break.
