West Ham v Stoke preview: Hammers in form for Stoke visit

Three points would take Sam Allardyce’s Hammers up to fifth in the Premier League after winning three of their last four.

Yet though the former Bolton boss might be forgiven for being bullish about his team’s chances against a Potters side that has just two wins this term, Allardyce chose to praise his opposite number.

“Tony Pulis’s team are well drilled and disciplined in the way they want to play,” he said.

“I think that they get the defensive side of it right, as I try to do as well.”

Meanwhile Pulis paid tribute to Allardyce’s ability.

“He gets the job done and he has done a wonderful job at West Ham,” he said.

“He has been a very successful manager and maybe at times he doesn’t get the praise he deserves.”

Stoke are likely to be without Glenn Whelan (hamstring), Dean Whitehead (suspension) and Rory Delap (hernia), though both Jon Walters and Charlie Adam may be back.

The Hammers may have defender James Collins back in their ranks.