West Ham v West Brom: Hammers can edge low-scoring affair

West Ham United know they need to make the most of their second Premier League home game in as many days and Sam Allardyce’s men can do just that when they entertain managerless West Bromwich Albion.

The Hammers are 6/5 to collect all three points with Ladbrokes, while the draw is priced at 9/4 and a West Brom win available at odds of 23/10.

Allardyce’s Irons showed plenty of character, if not cutting edge, in their 3-1 defeat to Arsenal on Boxing Day and the visit of the Baggies offers an easier alternative with a fantastic chance to secure just a fourth win of the campaign.

A nervy affair is likely to ensue given both teams’ perilous positions at the wrong end of the table.

But at least there are some encouraging signs for the hosts with a number of experienced players now returning to action.

One of those is Carlton Cole whose mini-renaissance continues with the striker scoring in consecutive games having opened the scoring against the Gunners.

Cole is 6/1 to net first against West Brom at Upton Park in what could be a low-scoring encounter.

West Ham have only scored three times in their last five league games while the visitors have notched just four goals over the same period.

And with these teams struggling to get on the scoresheet of late the 20/21 for both teams not to score could represent a real steal.

Past history suggests it’s the east London outfit who should have the edge as they look to extend their unbeaten run at home against West Brom to five games.

Visiting caretaker boss Keitih Downing can be content with the two points his team have collected since he took temporary charge of proceedings at the Hawthorns.

However, the West Midlands side are likely to see their eight-game winless streak extended.

With just one win in their last 17 attempts in the capital, a narrow 2-1 victory over relegated Queens Park Rangers last season, expect to see Downing’s men sucked further into the relegation mire.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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