In true West Ham United fashion, it has been a roller-coaster start to the Premier League season. After a worryingly poor start, the Hammers have risen up the table to sit tenth ahead of the traditionally important festive schedule.
West Ham have won six of their 14 league games, drawing three and losing five. David Moyes’ men have scored 21 goals and conceded 19 along the way.
Predicting West Ham’s next three games
We forecast another mixed bag for the Hammers as we try – and probably fail – to predict the results of the London outfit’s three festive matches.
Brighton (h) – West Ham win
There’s no traditional Boxing Day clash for the Hammers but they meet struggling Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday, 27 December.
The Seagulls have picked up just two league wins all season and go into the game only two points above the relegation zone.
Moyes will view this game as a must-win to get the tricky festive period off to the perfect start.
The return of the impressive Michail Antonio would give West Ham an even bigger boost if the attacker can recover from his latest injury.
Southampton (a) – Draw
Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men have been this season’s surprise package. However, their chance of success over the festive period could be severely hampered by another injury to England striker Danny Ings.
For the Hammers, if Antonio’s return doesn’t arrive against Brighton, it will most certainly arrive against the Saints two days later.
His presence will be crucial against a rigid Southampton back line. They have been kept in shape thanks to towering central defensive duo Jannik Vestergaard and Jan Bednarek.
We think a draw at St Mary’s wouldn’t be a bad result for West Ham.
Everton (a) – Loss
Unfortunately for West Ham, after a trip to the South Coast they have to travel to Goodison Park on New Year’s Day. Everton have bounced back after a wobble.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men beat Chelsea, Leicester and Arsenal in the space of a week, all without star man James Rodriguez. However, he looks set to return from injury just in time for the West Ham clash.
The Toffees may have too much strength on the day and on their own patch. Never write off a Moyes side, though. West Ham can come good and kick-start 2021 in superb fashion.
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