West Ham haven't had the best start to the season but were one of the few sides to claim victory at the Britannia. Do you travel north with high hopes for a repeat result?
Not really. Our defence has looked shaky this season and we’ve been prone to daft errors. With Rob Green also slightly below par we don’t look to confident at the back.
Stoke's physical style is well documented but what kind of performance will the Hammers be aiming for?
We’ll keep trying to pass the ball but by and large this season we’ve lacked that little bit of creativity that allows us to break down defences.
Carlton Cole seems to be the main goal threat this season. If Stoke can keep the England man quiet does that make life a lot harder for West Ham?
Carlton holds the ball up well and will make a nuisance of himself. However much will depend on whether he plays as a lone striker - if we don’t manage to get him some support we’ll struggle to threaten much
Are there any Stoke players you are wary of?
Delap’s throws are obviously an issue – last season Tomkins and Upson had a great day clearing them but with the defence in it’s current less than sturdy state we’ve looked fragile at set pieces and Fuller might cause problems.
Any Hammers players we should keep an eye out for?
Zavon Hines, if selected, has pace and can wreak havoc given the ball in the right areas. The foul count on him against Liverpool went into double figures. Also, strangely for us, we’ve looked dangerous from set pieces and Diamanti looks useful from free-kicks and corners. Tomkins has a habit of getting on the end of corners – he averages one miss a match but one of them will go in one day. Probably.
...and finally, a prediction?
I can see this one ending up 0-0 fighting for the coveted final game slot on Match Of The Day!