West Ham and West Brom meet with the Championship top three in reach

A one-point gap in the promotion race

West Brom travel to London sitting fifth in the Championship, just one point behind third-placed West Ham after 12 games. With West Ham on 22 points and West Brom on 21, the visitors can draw level with their opponents by winning, while a home victory would extend the gap to four points. The tight standings give this meeting direct importance in the race near the top.

West Ham also hold a considerable goal-difference advantage: +17 to West Brom’s +3. That margin could matter as the campaign develops, but for now the immediate prize is a valuable result against a close rival.

West Ham’s sharper attack

West Ham have scored 32 goals in 12 league matches, twice West Brom’s total of 16. Their recent five-game return is also stronger in front of goal: 12 scored against West Brom’s six. West Ham have won six of their 12 matches and are unbeaten away from home, while West Brom have also claimed six victories but have lost three times.

The recent league sequences offer contrasting clues. West Ham’s last five reads one defeat, two wins and two draws; West Brom’s is two wins, a draw and two defeats. Both sides have scored and conceded six goals across their last five, though West Ham’s much higher season scoring total points to greater attacking potential.

Recent meetings favour the hosts

West Ham have won three of the last five recorded meetings, with one draw and one West Brom victory. The latest was in May 2021, when West Ham won 3-1 away. Their most recent meeting at West Ham’s ground ended 2-1 to the home side in January 2021.

Three absences for West Brom

West Ham will be without K. Lamadrid because of injury. West Brom have three listed absentees: T. Collyer, N. Galves, who has a knee injury, and M. Johnston, who has a broken leg.

Late goals could matter

Both teams have been most productive in the final 15 minutes of league matches: West Ham have scored nine goals from the 76th minute onward, while West Brom have scored five. West Ham’s 32 goals overall and home advantage make them the side with the greater attacking threat, although West Brom’s position close behind means they have strong motivation to keep the contest tight.

Our prediction

West Ham’s superior scoring record and home advantage give them the edge in a meeting between two promotion contenders. PreviaXI’s model also favours the hosts, while West Brom’s recent form suggests they can still find a goal.
West Ham 2-1 West Brom