West Brom blog: How can Tony Pulis be more positive against West Ham?

Firstly, the reintroduction of James Morrison and Chris Brunt into the starting line-up, writes Nathan Carr.

Morrison provides some creativity and flair which we’re short of in midfield and he showed off the bench at Brighton the difference he can make.

Brunt, meanwhile, gives us that composure in possession and I thought we missed him at the Amex.

Secondly, the selection of players in their natural positions.

This means Allan Nyom at right-back, Kieran Gibbs at left-back and one of Craig Dawson or Ahmed Hegazi to partner Jonny Evans.

Jay Rodriguez is far more effective as a centre-forward so I’d like to see him lead the line, with Oliver Burke (if fit) out on the left.

I am probably one of Salomon Rondon’s bigger fans, but he’s struggled to find form and Rodriguez should start ahead of him.

Thirdly, the abolition of three holding midfielders.

I know that Tony Pulis likes having a midfield three but in my opinion playing Gareth Barry, Grzegorz Krychowiak and Jake Livermore in the same team is unnecessarily defensive.

If we make that a midfield two, it gives us another option further up the pitch.

Finally, a real desire to get at West Ham from the get-go.

I feel as if we sometimes set up with too much emphasis on what the opposition might do rather than focusing on our own strengths.

I’d love to see us be a bit bolder and quicker on the ball particularly with the home advantage.

So those are the things I’d like to see.

Morrison and Brunt back in the side, players played in their natural positions, the abolition of three holding midfielders and generally a more positive, dynamic performance than at Brighton.