Hammers ready for double duty this week
Following two impressive cup performances against Newport County and Valencia ‘B’, attention now switches back to their unbeaten league start.
The Irons are currently in second spot with ten points from a possible 12, the only dropped points coming from a g 2-2 draw with leaders Manchester United at Old Trafford.
It’s a big week for the squad under lad coach Dmitri Halajkoas tomorrow’s game is followed by a trip to Middlesbrough on Friday in another difficult-looking league fixture.
West Ham’s last trip to the North East saw them beat Newcastle 2-1 in August – a game in which full-back Emmanuel Longelo was replaced at half-time with an injury that ruled him out until his return to action in the midweek Premier League International Cup victory over Valencia ‘B’.
“It felt really good to get back out there” Longelo said. “After spending a month out, it was good to get 70 minutes back in the tank and just try and make sure that I am ready for the next game against West Brom.
He added: ““We expect West Brom to be a good team, they are in the play-off positions at the moment. We are sure that they will be challenging for the league title alongside us, so I expect nothing less than a tough challenge from them.”