Blog: Pocogno-way back at West Brom?

Following a splendid win against a very talented Arsenal side, boss Tony Pulis finds himself with a defensive conundrum to solve for the trip to West Ham.

The most obvious problem is who will come in to replace the suspended Chris Brunt? Surely now there must be a case for the recall of Sebastien Pocognoli?

No one has yet come up with a reasonable explanation as to his omission or even why 'Brunty' is unavailable for selection, writes blogger Duncan Hodgkiss.

Earlier in the season - and parts of last - Joleon Lescott was preferred, much to his dissatisfaction. Pulis is on record as saying he prefers Brunt at left-back and thinks he is a better player.

You can't argue with Brunt's excellent performances and his great working dynamic with James McClean on the left flank.

But you can't help but feel a little for Pocognoli being frozen out in such a manner.

Personally, I think there is more to this than meets the eye. It's strange that, in my opinion, a solid and marauding left-back doesn't get a look in when opportunity presents itself.

I actually quite liked him and thought the vast majority of his performances were all action 100 per cent effort displays. I would have thought he fitted the Pulis mould to a tee?

Anyway, who will come in to replace Brunt? My belief is that McClean will be asked to deputise.

Possibly Craig Gardner could be selected on the left side of midfield, although I'm hoping for a more adventurous choice - Callum McManaman maybe?

The next dilemma is whether to bring back McAuley following his suspension in place of Olsson, who performed excellently against Arsenal. This is a tough one.

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McAuley has defied doubters and his progressive years and formed a very solid partnership with Jonny Evans.

I can't see the unthinkable happening and Olsson being switched to left-back.

He would get murdered by Manuel Lanzini-Victor Moses-Mauro Zarate plus we have the returning Pedro Obiang and-or Alex Song to contend with.

West Ham have suffered a blip of late. They are the enigmatic side of the Premier league this season, having pulled off some wonderful results at Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Crystal Palace.

They have also beaten Chelsea at home, a feat we couldn't manage despite their awful start to the campaign.

They have only managed one point from the last three games though, and were humbled 4-1 by a rampant Tottenham side last time out.

We are very capable of going there and getting a result. You can be assured that they will come out all guns blazing, as it seems is boss Slaven Bilic's way.

They will be seeking retribution for their heavy defeat against Tottenham. It will be a tough test. Come on you Baggies!