PRE-MATCH

It’s the battle of the Wests once again in the Premier League, as West Ham United travel to the Hawthrones to face off against West Bromwich today.

The Hammers hope Monday night’s passionate 2-0 victory over Huddersfield is the sign their season is off and running for good, as they hope to secure their first road points of 2017-18 after three straight defeats away from the London Stadium.

Captain Mark Noble joins Manuel Lanzini and Edimilson Fernandes as absentees for the second straight game for Slaven Bilic, as Marko Arnautovic returns to the squad following his three match ban. The Croatian manager has decided to go with an unchanged starting XI from Monday night, meaning three centerbacks again with James Collins earning another start.

On the other end, West Brom features arguably their most talented side ever in the Tony Pulis era, as marquee signings Grzegorz Krychowiak and Kieran Gibbs get their first starts for their new club. But the hosts today will be without talented wingers and expensive signings Nacer Chadli and Oliver Burke, as both are out with thigh and hamstring injuries, respectively. James McClean is fit and on the bench though for West Brom after fighting illness all week.

West Brom lost to Brighton 3-1 last Saturday and will hope to continue giving West Ham more road woes this early season. But the Hammers are buoyed off finally getting a win and massive pressure off of Bilic and the club’s shoulders for now. Will West Ham continue the new season turning momentum? Or will they have the same problems reappear again?

We will all find out.

LINEUPS AND BENCH