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As the season lurches towards half way it's been a frustrating time for Hammers fans. Having moved on from the dull effectiveness of Moyesball, hopes were high that the incoming Jolen Lopetegui would bring a swashbuckling style that could push the Claret n Blues towards a European return.
Sadly, despite an exciting transfer window with a host of top talents arriving while our best players stayed put, it's been a frustrating stop-start season so far. The Hammers look well adrift of the European action spots an languish in 14th with just 19 points - six points off Bournemouth in 6th.
There have been a number of key factors in the Hammers difficulties - Fullkrug's injury, a brand new defence that has struggled for consistency and Paqueta's loss of form have been big problems but in reality the team seems to lack a clear tactical plan.
Monday night suggested that perhaps the team are finally beginning to gel as the 1-1 at Bournemouth was a deserved point. Before that the win over Wolves was an important result and frankly the Hammers should have thumped Leicester but were sucker punched three times.
The return of Fullkrug can hopefully provide the fulcrum for our attack as undoubtedly Bowen, Kudus, Summerville and Paqueta have the potential to upset any defence. The German makes his long awaited start today and begins with Bowen and Kudus in support. Sumerville can add energy from the bench, while Emerson and Wan Bissaka can keep things flowing down the wings.
Brighton, of course, will have their own ideas and have proven tricky opponents in the past for the Hammers. West ham are a tempting 7/4 for the win.
COYI!!!
**West ham starting XI:** Fabianski, Wan Bissaka, Mavropanos, Kilman, Emerson, Alvarez, Soucek, Paqueta, Bowen (c), Kudus, Fullkrug.