West Ham face yet another must-win game as we head to West London to face Brentford on Saturday. However, this particular ‘must win’ would allow us to move FIVE points ahead of Tottenham Hotspur, who play Aston Villa later due to the Midlanders’ European commitments.
Brentford have had a decent season under Keith Andrews and comfortably beat us earlier this season, with Jordan Henderson (absent for this one) pulling the strings. The Hammers got revenge by dumping the Bees out of the FA Cup, so this one is anyone’s game. Mathematically, Brentford are still in the run-in for European places via the Premier League, but the reality is with Liverpool and Manchester City away still to play, it is going to be difficult for them.
West Ham know exactly what is at stake. Recent wins over Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton, plus a point at Crystal Palace, have given us momentum at exactly the right time. Now it is about backing that up again and grabbing another result when the pressure is really on.
As for Espirito Santo, he would not be drawn on other teams involved in the relegation scrap, telling journalists: “We try to isolate ourselves from what other teams are doing. It’s up to us because we can’t control what’s going on outside. As long as we focus on ourselves, I think we can do better. I will watch the other games, but the priority is on what we do.”
Momentum building at the right time
There is no getting away from it — this is a massive opportunity for West Ham. We sit just above the relegation zone with only four games left, and every point feels huge now.
If Spurs lose at Villa and we do the business first, the psychological blow to them could be enormous. Suddenly the pressure swings firmly onto North London.
Nuno Espírito Santo appears to have steadied the ship. Two wins and a draw from the last three games is exactly the sort of run survival battles are built on.
Team news boost for Hammers
Nuno said in his press conference that there were some small knocks, but everyone should be okay for the weekend. That is exactly what supporters wanted to hear.
For Brentford, Rico Henry, Vitaly Janelt and Henderson are doubts, while Fábio Carvalho and Antoni Milambo are ruled out.
That could be significant because Brentford are a strong side when fully loaded, but less daunting when key players are missing.
Predicted West Ham XI
I think Nuno sticks with the winning team against Everton — and why wouldn’t he?
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | Hermansen |
| RB | Walker-Peters |
| CB | Mavropanos |
| CB | Disasi |
| LB | Diouf |
| CM | Souček |
| CM | Fernandes |
| LW | Summerville |
| RW | Bowen |
| CF | Castellanos |
| CF | Pablo |
Gonzo verdict
I think we can win this, let’s be honest, we have to. Brentford have done well this season but they are not world beaters.
My heart says 2-1 West Ham. My head says draw.
On this occasion, I’ll let the heart overrule the head.
Prediction: Brentford 1-2 West Ham
I’ll go with nervous encounter. Diouf scaring me a bit with his youthful naive shaky starts, but Mac and Axel holding the back together and giving confidence. That confidence filters through and little Summerville has a blinder, forcing the opposition defence to lose focus. Taty and Pablo run all day, Bowen his usual ever present threat, but the old legend Soucek pops up out of nowhere to nick it for us just as we start to give up hope of being able to get that goal scoring opportunity. Then, Bowens luck turns and this one doesn’t hit the post.
2 nil to the Irons and the Spuds lose in a poor display by 3 goals goals that sends their fans into meltdown about how they’re such a big club and all that tosh. Great day all round.
IRONS
I dreamt we were 2-3 up last night but under pressure when we made it 2-4 near the end.
As in each of these relegation battles, great if WHU score first to settle their nerves.
NES must get his substitutions right and should have a plan in place whether we are chasing, or want to be both more defensive and still threaten the Brentford goal.
Last time, NES got his subs wrong going too defensive and inviting pressure, then got them right bringing Wilson on. NES has been going too defensive too early all season.
Even with a small squad it can be done, lots of permutations. If Potts or Magassa comes on, they could be coached to defend on the front foot in front of Fernandes & Soucek next to a no 10 who drops back. Or Kante to have 3 across the park (K, F, S) – this might free up F a bit, to be playmaker. Also Soucek & Kante can be goal threats.
Anyway, so easy from the sidelines – Just so long as any permutations are regularly coached in training. Probably the case anyhow given the level of detail they go to.
Brentford are clearly beneath us in all of the last 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 played form tables. They have five draws and a defeat in their last 6. They’re a couple of points off sixth so far as things to play for but ten points off fifth. On the form they’re on they’re going nowhere and realistically their season has already wound down.
It’s a winnable game so far as we’re concerned and very much one that can be drawn.
And we do need a win. Essential. We can’t afford to hope that Tottenham will not win and we can stay above them this week.
Crucial – but we have the team to do it. Two goals up with 30 minutes to go. Keep on going. We can not defend a lead by all falling back into our half and inviting Brentford to have a go. They will. Everyone else has.
Come On You Irons.