Neil Swarbrick is the man in the middle and he gets the game under way...

Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka: "They are not in the best moment, but they are a good team, they have a good manager. 

"They had an amazing season last season, so our biggest mistake would be to go to play against West Ham thinking that they have problems because they are not winning games. 

"They are going to start winning games and I hope it's not on Saturday." 

Image source, Getty Images

Here come the players out of the tunnel, with 'I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles' being belted out.

Middlesbrough keeper Victor Valdes has played six Premier League games - two for Man Utd, four for Boro - and has never been on the winning side. Ouch.

Image source, Reuters

You know your team's in trouble when your club's board have to write a letter to fans. 

West Ham joint-chairmen David Gold and David Sullivan did exactly that earlier this week as they wrote "we are doing everything we can to fix the situation". 

The pair added: "We know we are letting in too many goals and not scoring enough, but be assured we will sort the problems out.

"There have been factors which have contributed to the poor start with injuries to key players and some key decisions which have gone against us.

"But we are not going to make excuses and know that Slaven and his team will be working even harder on the training ground this week to get things right."

Image source, PA

Image source, Reuters

West Ham's build-up to the game hasn't been helped by claims Andy Carroll and Darren Randolph were drunk after a club-sanctioned night out on Monday.

The Hammers will look into the issue but manager Slaven Bilic says he had told captain Mark Noble to "take the guys out to dinner".

"There have been some rumours and all that but it's private, it's not proven, we are going to see what happened," said Bilic.

"I spoke to the chairman, but of course I'm totally concentrated on the game on Saturday. After the game, at the start of next week, we are going to talk about it and if necessary we are going to act.

"But it was my idea, completely. I told them to do that. For me it's a good thing to do, not every week, but in a great situation or a bad situation, it's good to stick together and it's a good thing to do. It's good for team building, and that's it."

Do you think you know more about Premier League football than the experts? Or your friends, family and work colleagues for that matter? 

If so, pitch your predictions against friends and other fans. Create leagues and collect points to see who comes out on top. 

It's free and only takes two minutes to register so click right here if you want to play.  

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There are 15 people who will be named a BBC Get Inspired Unsung Hero around the UK once again this year and one of those from last year - Carl Eaton, who runs a football club for adults with learning disabilities - has revealed the impact the award has had on him and the club.......     

"If you know anybody who is worthy of this award, nominate them," Carl adds. "It will be the best thing you ever did."

Nominate an Unsung Hero from your area here - and hurry as nominations close on Sunday, 23 October. 

School Report has teamed up with BBC Local Radio, and also BBC Sport, who are keen to hear your supporter stories and perhaps feature them on their programmes. 

It's a chance for schools and young people aged11-16 to share their passion, knowledge and stories about their local club.

Find out more about it here.

Jonathan Pearce
Match of the Day commentator

"West Ham's new home seems badly disconnected with their fans, and their season is desperate on all fronts.

"They've lost five of their opening six league games of a season for the first time ever. They are reportedly investigating claims that players were drunk this week. Their signing of Enner Valencia may now face probes after the Sam Allardyce allegations.

"Boro also look troubled. Three defeats on the spin, just five shots on target away and only two wins in 22 trips to London. The Hammers need a redemptive win to calm concerns but it's crucial for both sides."

West Ham boss Slaven Bilic makes four changes from the team beaten by Southampton last time out. Right-back Sam Byram, centre-back James Collins, midfielder Pedro Obiang and winger Gokhan Tore replace Havard Nordtveit, Alvaro Arbeloa, Manuel Lanzini and Simone Zaza. 

No striker? So Michail Antonio may continue his utility man role by going up top.

West Ham XI: Adrian, Byram, Reid, Collins, Ogbonna, Kouyate, Noble, Obiang, Antonio, Tore, Payet.

Image source, .

Middlesbrough striker Jordan Rhodes makes his first Premier League start in one of three changes by boss Aitor Karanka from the defeat by Spurs. Midfielders Adam Forshaw and Viktor Fischer also come in as Adam Clayton, Gaston Ramirez and Alvaro Negredo make way. 

Middlesbrough XI: Valdes, Barragan, Chambers, Gibson, Friend, de Roon, Forshaw, Stuani, Downing, Fischer, Rhodes. 

Image source, .

Moving house is one of the most stressful things you can do and that's certainly proving the case for West Ham following their switch from Upton Park to London Stadium.

The not-so-happy Hammers are losing games left, right and centre, shipping goals for fun, dealing with the fall-out from a players' night out and - just for good measure - there's been a bit of crowd trouble just to add to their woes.

Middlesbrough's return to the top flight started promisingly but they're also in a bit of bother after three league defeats on the bounce. 

Who can turn around their fortunes this afternoon? Let's find out shall we...

Image source, PA