We're nearly halfway through the Premier League season, but West Ham United continue to wildly overachieve. Sam Allardyce's relegation strugglers side is sat above Arsenal heading into the weekend, having won exactly half of their games so far and surprisingly established themselves as one of the neutral viewer's favourite outfits.
West Ham United vs. Swansea City live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch the EPL online
West Ham welcome Swansea to Upton Park on Sunday in a battle of Premier League overperformers.
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However, they face a tough test this weekend as they welcome Swansea City to Upton Park. The Swans are another side expected to struggle when the season got underway, but rookie manager Garry Monk has so far seamlessly slipped into his new job. A win away at the Hammers on Sunday would see the Swans leapfrog their opponents, and possibly Arsenal (depending on the Gunners' result against Stoke City on Saturday).
Key player - Wilfried Bony (Swansea City)
Both of these sides have pretty enviable strike options, though perhaps the most enviable of all is Swansea’s Wilfried Bony, who established himself as one of the Premier League’s best forwards in an outstanding debut season last year. His aerial ability and brilliant finishing means he’ll nearly always punish a defensive mistake, so West Ham’s back line will have to be on their guard.
Key matchup - Stewart Downing vs. Gylfi Sigurðsson
These players aren’t direct opponents on the pitch -- in fact it’s pretty likely they’ll go the entire game without locking eyes. However, both Stewart Downing and Gylfi Sigurðsson have similar, vitally important roles in carving out chances for their respective teams. Whoever is on better form (or perhaps less well-marked) could well determine who wins this match.
West Ham United injuries and suspensions
Out: None. In doubt: Mark Noble (calf), Alex Song (knee), Diafra Sakho (back).
Swansea City injuries and suspensions
Out: Federico Fernández (calf), Neil Taylor (suspended). In doubt: None.
West Ham have no certain absentees, though first-team midfielders Mark Noble and Alex Song and star striker Diafra Sakho all face late fitness tests. Swansea, meanwhile, will certainly be without regular centre-back Federico Fernández thanks to a calf injury, and left-back Neil Taylor courtesy of a suspension.
Match Date/Time: Sunday, 1:30 p.m. local, 8:30 a.m. ET
Venue: Upton Park, London, England
TV: NBCSN, Directv (U.S.), TSN (Canada), Sky Sports 1/HD (U.K.)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S.), Sky Go (U.K.)
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