---
title: "Key Battles: West Ham vs. West Brom"
canonical: "https://readwestham.com/2016/09/14/key-battles-west-ham-vs-west-brom/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Michael Oliver"
section: "Feature Writers"
published: "2016-09-14T10:00:05Z"
modified: "2016-09-14T10:00:05Z"
---

# Key Battles: West Ham vs. West Brom

West Ham travel to the Hawthorns to face a West Brom side who appear to be devoid of confidence and form, with Tony Pulis’ future shrouded in doubt after a less than auspicious start to the season. Defeat at Bournemouth made it three games without a win for the Baggies, but Slaven Bilic has his own problems to contend with after seeing his team throw away a two-goal lead against Watford to lose 4-2.

Some would argue that performances have merited more points than the Hammers have managed to pick up in the opening four fixtures, with the win against Bournemouth on home soil remaining West Ham’s sum total for their efforts. Excellent performances at Chelsea and Manchester City deserved much more, and although West Ham blew the Hornets away in the first thirty minutes by playing scintillating football, the manner in which the team self- destructed within a twenty-two-minute spell to concede four goals took many by surprise. It was certainly not the result that many were expecting after the international break, particularly with star man Dimitri Payet back in the starting line-up, but Slaven will demand a response from his team at the Hawthorns as they will go into the game as slight underdogs with Betway.

![Richard Heathcote/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readwestham.com/readwestham/2016/09/601877928-1.jpg)

It remains to be seen if the defeat to Watford has changed Slaven’s opinion on certain players, but with the Hammers now having excellent strength in depth through shrewd acquisitions in the transfer market, it would [not be a surprise if there were a number of](https://readwestham.com/2016/09/12/slaven-bilic-make-waves-start-team-west-brom/)[changes](https://readwestham.com/2016/09/12/slaven-bilic-make-waves-start-team-west-brom/). Payet and Manuel Lanzini certainly appear to have overcome respective injury concerns, and although Havard Nordtveit was an unused substitute after returning to training, Sofiane Feghouli could make his return against West Brom. Angelo Ogbonna could be pushing for a start ahead of James Collins who was at fault for the second goal, while Darren Randolph may get the nod in goal to keep Adrian on his toes.

West Ham will certainly have to pick up their form if they harbour any hopes of [playing in Europe next season](https://sports.betway.com/), but West Brom are unlikely to be easy opponents at a time when they too are struggling to put points on the board. Betway make the Baggies slight favourites to win in their own back yard, but we’ve picked out five key battles which the Hammers will need to come out on top in.

![Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readwestham.com/readwestham/2016/09/526522764.jpg)

**1. Mark Noble vs Darren Fletcher**

The game at the Hawthorns could be decided on who wins the midfield battle, with respective captains Mark Noble and Darren Fletcher likely to come face-to- face in an intriguing clash. Both personify hard work, leadership and determination, with Noble’s passion for the Hammers cause coming up against the considerable experience of Fletcher who plays a vital role in front of the back four alongside Claudio Yacob. Neither are afraid to get stuck in where it hurts and put their body on the line, and although they may not among the favourites to get on the scoresheet, whoever prevails could ultimately end up on the winning side.

**2. Michail Antonio vs Brendan Galloway**

There can be no question that Michail Antonio is one of the most improved players at West Ham, with the former Nottingham Forest winger becoming an integral part of Slaven’s plans. Being [called up by Sam Allardyce in his first England squad](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/michail-antonios-england-call-just-8730792) is testament to the superb form that Antonio is currently in, and although some may have been unimpressed by the manner in which he voiced his discontent at playing right-back at Chelsea, four goals in three games proves just how good he has been on the right wing. His speed, power and aerial ability will certainly present a big task for Brendan Galloway who will certainly have his hands full; the Everton loanee certainly has talent and looks a more than competent defender, but trying to compete with Antonio in the air may be another matter altogether.

West Ham would be wise to keep providing Antonio with the service he thrives upon, give the England winger has scored all but one of his team’s goals so far this season. Lofting the ball up from the left flank towards the back post will be a battle that Antonio will favour against Galloway, but his finishes against Watford prove that there is much more to his game.

![Ian Walton/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readwestham.com/readwestham/2016/09/526522980.jpg)

**3. Dimitri Payet vs Craig Dawson**

The return of Dimitri Payet could not come soon enough for the Hammers, with the French star enjoying a superb Euro 2016 campaign that attracted interest from major clubs across Europe. His vow to remain at West Ham was equally as important as the club’s move into a new stadium, with Payet wasting no time in making a mark in his first start of the season; he was the architect for both goals, with an outrageous “rabona” trick fooling the entire Watford defence to set up Antonio for a picture book goal that will live long in the memory at the London Stadium. Payet faded out of the game as Watford took control, but his presence alone is enough to make defenders across the Premier League tremble with fear.

Craig Dawson will be the next to try and keep Payet under shackles, with the 26-year- old proving himself to be an extremely solid right-back who offers a threat from set pieces at the other end. He is part of a West Brom backline that are often difficult to break down, but Payet could hold the key in a game that could be decided by the finest of margins.

**4. Sam Byram vs Nacer Chadli**

Antonio’s desire to play further upfield has presented young full-back Sam Byram with an opportunity to make the right-back berth his own, with his desire to get forward and support the play allowing him to slot perfectly into Slaven’s system. The former Leeds star may have to focus on his defensive duties however, particularly against West Brom’s record signing Nacer Chadli who certainly stands out as a player that could cause damage. Pulis was more than happy to spend £13 million on bringing Chadli to the Hawthorns, with the Belgium international likely to thrive on the prospect of regular first-team action; he offers a threat on the left wing and cutting in on his right foot, and although Byram may fancy himself to win a footrace against the winger, he will have to prevent Chadli from providing crosses into the penalty area if West Ham are to nullify the threat.

![Pete Norton/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readwestham.com/readwestham/2016/09/594430224.jpg)

**5. Winston Reid vs Salomon Rondon**

We presume that Pulis will opt for Salomon Rondon ahead of Saido Berahino to come up against West Ham’s strong centre-backs, and although there may be a question mark over who will partner him, Winston Reid will certainly face a tough battle against the strong Venezuelan striker. Reid cut a disconsolate figure on the pitch as the team fell apart around him against Watford, with Slaven likely to place intense focus on defending better, both as a backline and as a team. However, the battle between Reid and Rondon could go a long way towards deciding which way the points go at the Hawthorns, with the latter likely to rely on service from the flanks in order to use his physical strength and aerial ability to full effect. It will be up to Reid to combat the threat and keep Rondon under wraps for the full ninety minutes, and if the centre-back comes out on top in the battle, it could set West Ham up for all three points.