The West Ham United fans in the Tavern will be looking for their side to bounce back after a 2-0 defeat against Everton somewhat set them back in their Premier League recovery.
Their supporters here in the Tavern had tipped them to bring home all three points against the Toffees but sadly it wasn’t meant to be. But they have the chance to really pick things up again this weekend and it’s a very big game indeed.
Their opponents? Stoke City, who have had a tough start to the season themselves.
The Potters will be desperate for points just like the Hammers and we’re very much tipping this game to be of great significance come the end of the season.
But who should we be looking out for on the pitch in particular? Who has the quality to lead their side to victory?
With that in mind, here’s 3 players to look out for in the West Ham vs Stoke City game…
Dimitri Payet
Despite West Ham’s early struggles this season, you can never rule out Dimitri Payet, who continues to shine in this Hammers starting lineup.
All of West Ham’s good forward play goes through him and he was instrumental in the mini-revival we saw before the defeat to Everton.
Stoke will have to be seriously aware if they are to stop the threat of the Frenchman going forward.
Joe Allen
Again, like Payet at West Ham, Joe Allen has been a real positive to come from the Potters’ tough start to the campaign.
Playing in a more advanced role, the Englishman has excelled since joining from Liverpool this summer and has already dispatched on four occasions.
He’s someone that can cause the West Ham defence real difficulties.
Xherdan Shaqiri
Another man who always seems to shine for the Potters is Xherdan Shaqiri, who is always going to be a threat going forward.
The Swiss international scored a vital brace in a 2-0 win over Hull City last weekend and he’ll be hoping to inflict similar misery on the Hammers, who have been defensively shaky this season.
There are some doubts surrounding Shaqiri’s fitness – but our landlord is backing him to get some action, though that might be from the bench.
He’s quick, skilful and pretty unpredictable, which is why we’re tipping him to shine against a struggling West Ham side.
