As the new season continues, West Ham United welcomes Stoke City and Mark Hughes, to Upton Park for the third fixture of the new Premier League season. In the opening two games, West Ham United have amassed a respectable four points out of the six available and another three, this Saturday, would represent a more than decent start for West Ham. Hopefully, that`ll be exactly how it turns out to be.
Vital Quotes:
Stay tuned!
West Ham Team News:
West Ham picked up a season long absentee on Tuesday night when Alou Diarra picked up a cruciate knee injury. Also missing this weekend will be Andy Carroll who is still recovering from the heel injury sustained last season. Also still sidelined is George McCartney with a knee problem.
Player to watch: James Collins
The Welsh centre-back was outstanding in his defensive duties up at St James Park last weekend and with Stoke expected to adopt the direct approach they`re famous for, Collins will have to be at his best to repel the onslaught.
Stoke City Team News:
Mark Hughes bring his Stoke side to Upton Park with Peter Crouch now available for selection having recovered from the illness that kept him sidelined in midweek. However, will Hughes banish to the bench his replacement – Kenwynne Jones, considering he bagged a hat-trick.
The only player missing from the Stoke squad is Jamie Ness who is side-lined with a thigh injury.
Player to watch: Asmir Begovic
An inspired keeper who should be playing for a far bigger team!
Match Facts & Stats
As previously stated, West Ham have started the season well, amassing four points out of a possible six courtesy of the home victory over Cardiff and the hard fought draw against Newcastle last time out. Stoke, on the other hand, have amassed three points out of six available courtesy of an opening day defeat at Liverpool and a home victory over Crystal Palace.
In the corresponding fixture last season the two sides drew 1-1.
Ref Watch:
Referee – J. Moss
Assistant – S. Chiled
Assistant – A. Halliday
Fourth Official – A. D`Urso
Match Prediction:
I`m looking forward to this fixture, it gives the Hammers the ideal chance to get off to what could be described as a decent start. Stoke will be, how you might say, robust but they`re the kind of team that Sam Allardyce will have identified as one we have to beat, especially at home, if we`re to improve on our top-ten finish of last season. It could be a tight affair but I`m going for a Hammers win, by the odd goal in three.
Next Fixtures:
The Premier League has to step aside next weekend as international football, once again, takes precedence. Our season will resume on Sunday 15th September, kick-off 16:00 hours, when we visit St Marys to take on Southampton.
