West Ham United are deep in their Premier League survival fight. The Hammers won their last game against Wolverhampton Wanderers to take themselves out of the bottom three and now head to Crystal Palace on Monday night, in need of more points.
With the survival situation in the balance, out editor, Matt Bottomley, predicts the outcome of West Ham‘s last six games this season.
Crystal Palace vs West Ham
To begin the run in, the Hammers travel to Crystal Palace. The Hammers don’t have a great record against their South London opponents but did win their last trip to Selhurst Park.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s team do look good right now and the mood in the squad is positive. What is important, is that they start much quicker. A slow start could really cost the team.
Crystal Palace are coming off progressing in the Europa Conference League on Thursday night and are almost safe in the Premier League. There should be some tired legs and eyes on their semi-final, leaving the door open in a game the Hammers should feel they can win.
I’m taking Nuno’s team to win this and extend the gap to four points.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-2 West Ham
West Ham vs Everton
A meeting with former Irons boss David Moyes follows in another game that Nuno’s team should feel that points are available.
The Toffee’s are chasing Europe this season, and could be in the top six come this fixture is they win the Merseyside derby today. Moyes has helped Everton to turn things around this season and whilst injuries are mounting, they look an incredibly hard team to beat.
Everton will more than likely head to London with some confidence but both team’s have a lot to play for so will be tentative going forward. This one say’s draw to me.
Prediction: West Ham 0-0 Everton
Brentford vs West Ham
Brentford are another side chasing Europe this season. Keith Andrews has picked up where Thomas Frank left off and has the Bees playing some solid football. Presently, Brentford have drawn their last five Premier League games, failing to put teams to the sword.
This game is much like the Everton matchup and will be as physical as ever. Despite this, there is no reason I can see why the Hammers can’t pull a draw in this game and stay on an unbeaten run.
Prediction: Brentford 0-0 West Ham
West Ham vs Arsenal
Following Brentford, the Irons return home to take on Arsenal. The Gunners are in a heated title chase and could even be chasing Manchester City by the time this game comes round. No matter the form of Mikel Arteta’s team, they pose a real threat and are still one of the best team’s in the Premier League.
There’s no doubting Nuno’s team can get a result here, but with mounting pressure on either side, this game will be incredibly nervy. Unfortunately I see Arsenal stealing at the death, but at that time it will help the Gunners more than it will be a problem for the Hammers.
Prediction: West Ham 0-1 Arsenal
Newcastle United vs West Ham
This one really depends on who is in charge of Newcastle United at the time. The Magpies have disappointed on all but one front this season and will miss out on Europe. The team do not seem to be playing for Eddie Howe anymore but the Hammers will be hoping he is still in charge when they travel to the North East.
Newcastle are still a good team but have little to play for anymore and should be on the beach come the end of may. West Ham should win this game as it is there for the taking.
Prediction: West Ham 2-1 Newcastle United
West Ham vs Leeds United
The final game of the season sees Leeds United return the London Stadium after knocking the Hammers out of the FA Cup. At present, Daniel Farke’s team are all but safe in the Premier League and were pushed far by a depleted Hammers side in the quarter final.
Simply put, most Lilywhites players should have their head on a Marbella beach by this game, or be coming off an FA Cup final. Either way, all the emphasis is on the Irons and they also have revenge to call upon.
Nuno’s team might need three points on the final day, and I think they get it, losing just one game of their last six matches.
Prediction: West Ham 2-0 Leeds United
Full Predictions:
Crystal Palace 1-2 West Ham
West Ham 0-0 Everton
Brentford 0-0 West Ham
West Ham 0-1 Arsenal
Newcastle United 1-2 West Ham
West Ham 2-0 Leeds United
