Bring on Blackburn – three reasons to be excited for Saturday

Bring on Blackburn Rovers – that has to be the message from the West Ham United fans looking ahead to the next fixture.

The trip to Lancashire on Saturday marks the 15th game of the Championship season, hopefully just a temporary staging post en route to a Premier League return.

If that is to happen, there’s a lot of work to be done.

The season has been up as well as down, with the blemishes resulting in the dismissal of Nuno Espírito Santo.

Under the Portuguese coach, this team was playing to its full potential or anywhere near it. The bigger issue was the patterns and repeated issues.

He paid the price for that malaise, leading to a decision from above and the appointment of Scott Parker as West Ham boss.

The former Hammers’ hero got his reign underway with a dramatic 3-3 draw against Cardiff City on Wednesday.

Once again, we saw both versions of West Ham, but the second-half performance, combined with Scott Parker’s desire for answers, should have the supporters very enthused.

Three reasons for West Ham optimism

Firepower

West Ham have scored 36 goals this season, more than any other team in the division.

The firepower is loaded, the consistency is in place, but the damage at the other end of the pitch must be limited.

If Scott Parker solidifies the base and keeps the attack going, he will be halfway there. The Cardiff second half has to be the template for what will follow.

The Hammers are currently in eighth place in the Championship table, five points ahead of Blackburn in 14th, and just four behind the automatic promotion places.

A win on Saturday at Ewood Park can be the precursor to serious momentum after the international break.

Scott Parker

The former Hammers midfielder is intent on dragging the club forward.

He’s only getting started, but he didn’t miss the players after a shambolic opening 45 minutes in Cardiff.

With his approach and demands, an instant response was received and look at the difference. 14 shots, eight on target and an xG of 2.52 for the second half, according to FotMob, means the Irons should be picking up in Blackburn, from where they left off in South Wales.

The manager is clear on what he wants, and the difference he inspired in the second half on Wednesday.

“It was a forceful team, an aggressive team, a front-footed team, which was obviously a big improvement.”

That’s more like it.

7093 Happy Hammers

One of the joys of Blackburn Rovers away is the large allocation of tickets available.

For Saturday’s Championship clash, Scott Parker’s West Ham will be roared on by 7093 away fans.

That will delight the new boss to have such fervent support when it matters, as he pushes for his first win at the helm.

All roads lead to Blackburn on Saturday – Come on you Irons!