West Ham v Stoke Preview

taken from: zimbio.com

Since the West Ham and Stoke game is such a late one, this preview can afford to come late I guess. Reading the news all over the internet, many expect this game to be a dull affair, littered with long balls and bad passing. I beg to differ. It will of course be a tight game, with both managers more likely to focus on the defending comes first aspect but I expect them to really throw themselves into the attack once there is the chance.

Two former Wolves wingers will be key to this match, namely Matt Jarvis for West Ham and Michael Kightly for Stoke. It was unfortunate that Ricardo Vaz Te got injured as that meant West Ham lost one of their brightest sparks and he could really take a man on in the wings. His injury has meant that Jarvis has to step up the plate to do the job instead and he will need to recreate the form he had last season that got him tipped for an England call-up. If he gets into that form, his pinpoint crosses will create many chances for Nolan and Carroll. On the other team, Stoke will rely on Kightly on the wing. His performances this season have been better than the ageing Etherington and I fully expect him to start. Up against him is George McCartney(if he is fit), who has not had the best of seasons and I expect him to find some joy there. His ability to get away from his man is unquestionable but his ability to play the correct final ball will determine whether Stoke's attack can get goals.These two players will both play an important role and their level of performances will be crucial to whether their teams can secure the three points.

On the injury front, the likely return of Guy Demel for West Ham will be very important. Joey O'Brien deputised capably during his absence, but Demel provides an attacking dimension to the team due to his willingness to motor up and down the field. Stoke's Jon Walters has a knee injury and is rated 50/50 to participate in the match. If he does not make it in time, it might be a blessing in disguise, As I have said before, it is puzzling to see why Tony Pulis keeps on persisting with him as his only strength seems to be his work rate. I would prefer to see Kenwyne Jones, who I feel has the ability to go on a good run of goals if he gets his confidence back, or a true wide winger like Etherington who can dribble and provide quality balls.

Away from home, there is no doubt that Stoke will try and send their long balls to Crouch to try and test the defence. Crouch has already scored 4 goals this season but I am afraid that he will find it tougher this match against the Tomkins and Reid combination. He will also be tightly marked by Andy Carroll, who is a match for anyone in the air, on set pieces and is unlikely to find much joy. There is a higher possibility that attack will triumph defence on the other team though. Ryan Shawcross performed so terribly in his England cameo that even his partner Huth said on twitter that he felt nervous watching him play. Definitely not a good sign and the Stoke captain might lack confidence going into this match. Andy Carroll and Nolan's physical play will probably frustrate him more and it might show further into the match. Even though Stoke has been performing well defensively this season, I expect them to be exposed this match. One particular problem for the Stoke team is that they foul quite constantly around the box and this will surely be punished by West Ham, who has Benayoun and Noble capable of delivering a great set piece.

Predictions:
I will take West Ham to win the match, given their form this season and ability to attack using different styles. The 4/1 on offer for the first goal coming from a header looks too good to be ignored, I think Andy Carroll is likely to open his account, but 13//8 is not going to attract me any game. At 9/1, I will also be having a flutter on an own goal happening during the match and I will hope that someone accidentally slices into his own net in the game however cruel that may be.