West Ham. Last Season’s Finish: 10th. Expectations: Top 10. Predicted Finish: 10th.
Sam Allardyce has made sure none of his key players left the club this summer, with Mohamed Diame, Mark Noble and James Tomkins all remaining at the club. Lacking the main forward needed to score the goals, resigning Andy Carroll was the main priority this summer, and they managed to bring him back from Liverpool on a permanent basis. The service to him is vital for the Hammers to score goals this season, and the imminent arrival of Stewart Downing will help provide from the wider areas. Defensively, the Hammers are a strong unit, and adding Razvan Rat at left-back will improve them defensively and going forward, supporting Matt Jarvis on that left-hand side, and also his set-piece deliveries will be essential for their success.
Often criticised for their style of football, West Ham are effective in what they do, and their home form and solid defensive structure is the key to early success in the Premier League. Expect a regular role for Ravel Morrison this season, scoring 6 goals in pre-season has impressed Allardyce, and Morrison’s creative influence from midfield is just what the Hammers need, without any real creative spark in the middle.
Key Player: Andy Carroll will need to justify the £15million the club paid for him this summer with a decent return. Knowing Kevin Nolan will score double digits from midfield again, Carroll will need to push onwards and upwards of 15 goals this season, and the supporting cast will need to contribute also. Carroll’s fitness is vital for their success as there is no other option.