West Ham United will head into the 2019/20 Premier League campaign eager to improve on their tenth place finish last season.
While the ‘Big Six’ are expected to lock out the top end of the table once again, the Hammers will hope that they can finish best of the rest as a bare minimum.
Manager Manuel Pellegrini got off to a slow start in charge of the club, but things certainly improved as the season progressed and hopes are high that the team can kick-on this term.
Read more as we assess West Ham’s chances of success nest season.
Pellegrini reshapes his squad
Striker Sebastian Haller’s arrival at the London Stadium for £45 million could prove to be one of the best signings made by any club this summer.
The 25-year-old was a much-wanted man after scoring 20 goals in 41 appearances for Eintracht Frankfurt and he appears to be a significant upgrade on Marko Arnautovic.
Pablo Fornals also looks an excellent acquisition, particularly after his impressive performances for Spain at the U21 European Championships this summer.
Getting the likes of Arnautovic, Samir Nasri, Andy Carroll and Adrian off the wage bill has given Pellegrini funds to play with in this transfer window and he seems to be spending them wisely.
Strong start essential as Hammers look upwards
Breaking into the top six will be difficult, but it is essential that West Ham put themselves into the mix to take advantage should one of the big guns fail to perform next term.
The Hammers have been handed a tough start to the new campaign, with reigning champions Manchester City visiting the London Stadium on August 10.
However, subsequent fixtures against Brighton & Hove Albion (A), Watford (A) and Norwich City (H) give Pellegrini’s side an early chance to get plenty of points on the board.
West Ham lost their opening four league games last season and it is imperative that they avoid a similar fate this time around.
Cups offer best hope of success
With question marks hanging over the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United, it is entirely feasible that another club could force their way into the top six this term.
Wolverhampton Wanderers, Everton and Leicester City are the teams most likely to be battling with the Hammers to achieve that feat.
However, the two domestic cup competitions offer West Ham their most realistic chance of success next season.
West Ham haven’t had much joy in either the FA Cup or Carabao Cup over the past few years, but with exciting new signings adding quality to a decent-looking squad they are capable of changing that this term.
