Tony Pulis teams are often all about winning individual battles, therefore our Three Key Battles to watch out for during Saturday’s Premier League clash at London Stadium could be vital.
West Bromwich Albion will travel to east London and be quick, physical and solid all over the pitch.
Therefore, it’s up to the Hammers to stand up to the Midlands outfit all over the field while Slaven Bilic’s creative assets look to unlock the Baggies’ defence.
We’re expecting the aerial battles to be crucial on Saturday, and where better to start than at the back to look at the respective sides’ strength in defence.
Jose Fonte may have only recently signed from Southampton, but given Angelo Ogbonna’s recent operation ruling the Italian out for the remainder of the season, Fonte’s already become an important player for West Ham.
At the opposite end of the pitch, Jonny Evans’ qualities have been plain for all to see in the Premier League for a number of years now. Both players have massive responsibilities on Saturday.
Looking at purely the players’ defensive statistics, Fonte comes out on top so far this season, with more clearances per match and fewer times to be dribbled past.
Evans looks to be there to intercept the ball more often, however. The real test for both will be when they come up against opposing centre-forwards in the air; Salomon Rondon and Andy Carroll.
In the more advanced areas of the pitch, Michail Antonio and Matt Phillips are likely to be the most influential players in terms of creating chances for their sides.
Phillips has already made eight goals for teammates this season, while Antonio has scored eight himself. Both wingers are hugely important.
Though from the stats, Antonio appears to be the more direct of the two; he has more attempts on goal per game and looks to get his down and dribble more often.
He is also more effective in the air, something as already noted, which could swing the balance at London Stadium.
Old school skippers; Mark Noble and Darren Fletcher lead their sides, provide inspiration and pull their teammates through tough times.
In moments of trouble, players look towards their captains for guidance and these midfielders certainly provide just that.
Noble gets around the field slightly more than his Scottish counterpart, according to the statistics, making more challenges and completing more passes per game than Fletcher, leading by example.
The former Manchester United man has directly been involved in four goals for West Brom this season though, scoring twice himself and setting up a couple. Noble has scored three but has not yet provided an assist.