West Ham Season Preview - Is a top half finish on the cards for the Hammers?
David Moyes steadied the West Ham ship after his appointment in November following Slaven Bilic’s sacking. The Hammers were destined for the drop with the Croat at the helm, but there is now an air of optimism around the London Stadium coming into the new campaign following Moyes' exit. Manuel Pellegrini is a title winning coach and the mentality in east London has shifted considerably. The Chilean has been backed heavily in the market and supporters will hope for a more successful season.
One to Watch - Arthur Masuaku
Arthur Masuaku’s delivery may have been questionable on occasion last season, but there is no denying the Frenchman has the means to get to the byline with considerable ease. He completed more dribbles (83) than any other defender in England’s top tier last term, with that return the fifth best overall. He’ll likely play in a more advanced role to offer greater protection down West Ham’s left, yet if he can improve his final ball enough when he gets into attacking positions, Pellegrini has a player more than capable of terrorising any opposition backline in the coming campaign.
Best Signing - Felipe Anderson
West Ham made Felipe Anderson their club-record signing as they spent in excess of £40m to land the Brazilian. The 25-year-old endured his injury issues with Lazio last season, but was a solid performer when called upon. His return of six successful dribbles per 90 was better than any other player to make more than one start in Serie A last term and he affords Pellegrini and West Ham some much needed pace in the final third.
West Ham United are delighted to confirm the Club record signing of Lazio attacking midfielder Felipe Anderson! #ThatFelipeFeelinghttps://t.co/67szkpMLG6
— West Ham United (@WestHamUtd) July 15, 2018
Area of Weakness
Cheikhou Kouyate’s move to Crystal Palace and Pedro Obiang’s impending return to Sampdoria could leave the Hammers short in central midfield. Jack Wilshere may be an upgrade on West Ham’s current options in the middle of the park, but his injury issues means relying on the summer arrival to remain consistently fit throughout the season is a significant risk. Beyond him and Mark Noble, young duo Edimilson Fernandes and Josh Cullen are Pellegrini’s only reserves, yet the pair made just 16 league appearances between them last season. Another central midfielder before the close of the window would no doubt boost West Ham.
Prediction / Best Bet
West Ham may need one more piece to fit the puzzle, but the jigsaw itself already looks impressive compared to recent seasons. The fans will have been happy to see the board invest at long last and the arrivals of Anderson, Andriy Yarmolenko, Ryan Fredericks, Issa Diop and Lukasz Fabianski improve and bolster previously problem positions. In Pellegrini, the Hammers have a Premier League experienced coach with a winning mentality to boot, and so a top half finish at 2.1 looks a relatively safe bet all things considered.
