West Ham vs Stoke Predictions & Betting Tips, Match Previews

West Ham returned to the sort of form that resulted in their disastrous start to the season last weekend as they fell to a thoroughly deserved 2-0 loss at Goodison Park. This ended a three match winning streak that had put them back in contention to have a good season, and what they need to do now is bounce back quickly to avoid another run of poor form.

The Hammers have some very tough fixtures coming up, beginning with a visit from the in form Stoke and carrying on with matches against Spurs, Manchester United twice, Arsenal, and Liverpool in the next five weeks. A win here could prove absolutely crucial.

However, the London Stadium hasn’t been too kind to West Ham so far. They managed to beat Chelsea last time out, but they have lost three, drawn one, and won three of their last seven home games in all competitions. This includes a 4-2 loss to Watford and a 3-0 hammering to Southampton.

West Ham did make a significant change last weekend as they moved top scorer Michail Antonio from wing back to striker as they looked to utilise his attacking strengths. It didn’t work out on that occasion, but with five Premier League goals and three at home so far this season he’s definitely a threat for Stoke. Odds of 13/8 for him to score anytime look good value.

Stoke saw summer signing Wilfried Bony find the net for the first time on Monday, as he netted a brace against former club Swansea, as the Potters won 3-1. The former Swansea hit-man is very much a confidence player, and now that he has regained some of that, I think odds of 2/1 are good value for him to find the net.

The fact that Stoke are in such good form going forward only serves to help his chances. They have won three on the bounce now and scored seven goals in the process. In all competitions they have scored in seven games in a row, and they’re facing a West Ham side who have conceded eight goals in their five home league matches this season.

Both of these sides are looking fairly good at the moment, but both have shown massive defensive failings for the majority of this season. They have conceded 36 goals between them in their 20 combined matches, so backing Both Teams to Score at 4/6 looks the logical choice. I think Stoke have enough momentum to get the win as well, so I’m going for a 2-1 win for the visitors at 12/1 as well.