A few games into the Premier League campaign and West Ham are rooted to the bottom of the table. The Hammers have played three lost three in the top-flight, suffering defeats against Manchester United, Southampton and last time out 3-0 against newly promoted Newcastle.
The Hammers summer signings raised expectations amongst the fans. However, West Ham fans know that their club or team do not do anything the easy way.
On Monday night, the Hammers host Premier League new boys Huddersfield at the London Stadium needing a win to move off the bottom of the table.
Not likely to be a comfortable game
At the beginning of the campaign, this game may have looked like a comfortable one for the Hammers on paper. However, in contrast to West Ham, the Terriers have enjoyed a superb start to their top-flight campaign.
David Wagner’s team are unbeaten in their Premier League debut campaign, having recorded two wins and a draw. In fact, the Yorkshiremen are third in the top-flight table, making a mockery of their favourites for relegation tag.
The Terriers have shown great confidence so far this season and will certainly fancy their chances of going to the London Stadium and picking up a positive result.
West Ham attacking talent a key in this clash
West Ham have some very talented attacking players in their squad. The likes of Javier Hernandez, Andy Carroll, Michail Antonio and Manuel Lanzini all provide a significant attacking threat for the Hammers. However, the home side have scored just twice in the league this season.
Hernandez has scored both of his team’s Premier League goals. The Mexican is the poacher that West Ham have missed in recent seasons. Chicharito will always provide a major threat with his movement and pace.
If West Ham are to be successful this season then Bilic’s team have to give the Mexican international good service. The former Manchester United star is the favourite to open the scoring against the Terriers at odds of 15/4, which could be a value bet for me.
Antonio, Carroll and Lanzini have all suffered injury problems this season. However, all three are fit and could prove to be key players if the Hammers are to pick up maximum points on Monday night.
Huddersfield will be a tough nut to crack though. Wagner’s team are one of just two sides alongside Manchester United to have not conceded a goal in the Premier League so far this season. German goalkeeper Jonas Lossl has enjoyed a sterling start to his Huddersfield and English top-flight career.
West Ham will need to be at their best to break down the well-marshalled Huddersfield backline and record three points.
Bilic cannot afford to lose this game
West Ham have endured mixed fortunes under boss Slaven Bilic. The Croatian’s future has come into question a number of times during the last year or so. The charismatic boss simply cannot afford for his side to lose against Huddersfield.
The table would make grim reading for West Ham fans if the Hammers suffered defeat against the Yorkshiremen. Huddersfield will be determined to keep their unbeaten record in the Premier League.
The Terriers will no doubt be dogged opponents for West Ham. However, the Hammers must somehow manage to pick up their first league win of the campaign or the question marks over Slaven Bilic’s future at the club will grow.
Can West Ham pick up their first league win of the season against Huddersfield?
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