Chris Sutton has predicted how West Ham will get on against Brentford on Monday night.
Inside the relegation zone and a point adrift of safety, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side return to action after the international break with their new manager’s first home game.
His two games in charge after replacing Graham Potter, a 1-1 draw with Everton and the 2-0 defeat at Arsenal, were improved displays, and he will hope to secure his maiden win sooner rather than later.
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However, Keith Andrews’ visitors could pose another stern test, and Chris Sutton believes Nuno’s approach at the London Stadium will only frustrate Hammers supporters.
West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo shouts instructions during his side's defeat against Arsenal
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
Chris Sutton predicts West Ham v Brentford
Writing in his prediction column for BBC Sport, the pundit tipped West Ham to win 1-0, albeit with a caveat.
“Nuno Espirito Santo has been brought in to keep the Hammers up so he is not going to change the style of play that has brought him success,” said Sutton.
“I am not sure how that will go down with the West Ham fans – recent history suggests they are not going to like it, but they are going to have to get used to it.
“Brentford boss Keith Andrews also likes to park the bus, so I don’t see there being many chances at either end, or much ambition to score.
“I can feel myself edging towards another 0-0 prediction but instead I am going to be optimistic and say there will be a goal… and a first West Ham win for Nuno.”
Despite Sutton’s gloomy forecast, TBR Football understands West Ham’s players have reacted well to Nuno’s appointment, with energy and belief on the rise inside the camp.
Nuno Espirito Santo on his West Ham style of play
Nuno has already tightened up his new side defensively, and his balanced, counter-attack-oriented style is paying dividends, but he has vowed his players will not be gung-ho in search of points.
“What determines the style of play is not the coach,” said Nuno. “What determines the style of play is the squad. It’s not the coach.
“We have to find the balance between the two parts of the game. The defensive part and the offensive part. We cannot attack in an unbalanced way because we open spaces for our opponents.
“We have to defend, organise, but always with a priority. When we recover, what are we going to do with the ball?”