After the euphoria of a second win for Nuno, after the international break the [Hammers](https://www.claretandhugh.info/bournemouth-v-west-ham-united-line-up-announced/) face a trio of difficult games.
Paul Merson was damning in his verdict on Sky for West Ham’s prospects in those games, saying “I’d be shocked if they got any points from those three games”
So with that in mind let’s take a look at the next three games for West Ham, Burnley and Nottingham Forest and their prospects:
**Next three matches:**
1. **Bournemouth vs West Ham** – _Nov 22, Vitality Stadium_
2. **West Ham vs Liverpool** – _Nov 30, London Stadium_
3. **Manchester United vs West Ham** – _Dec 4, Old Trafford_
**Hammers’ opportunities to pick up points in next three games are scarce:**
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* **Bournemouth (Away):** This is West Ham’s best chance for a win. Bournemouth are seventh though, and playing some good football. Our record over seven Premier League games at the Vitality Stadium reads two wins, three draws and two losses.
* **Liverpool (Home):** A tough fixture. Liverpool’s attacking depth and form make them favourites, even away from home – they beat us 5-0 at the London stadium last season! Though 90% of our victories over Liverpool have come at home.
* **Man United (Away):** Another uphill battle. United’s home record is strong, and West Ham have struggled at Old Trafford historically – 22 losses in 29 Premier League games!
**Verdict:** _West Ham might well secure 3 points against Bournemouth, but anything from the Liverpool or Man United games would be a bonus. And anyone who has been watching Liverpool lately will consider them less than their usual ruthless selves just now: Without getting ahead of ourselves, it is worth stating that the Hammers have a better points return over the last six games._
### Nottingham Forest: Upcoming Fixtures
**Next three matches:**
1. **Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United** – _Nov 9, City Ground_
2. **Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest** – _Nov 22, Anfield_
3. **Nottingham Forest vs Brighton** – _Nov 30, City Ground_
**Form & Outlook:**
* **Leeds (Home):** A winnable game. Leeds are also struggling, and Forest need to capitalise. Yet Forest’s form is not great – winless in their last five league games.
* **Liverpool (Away):** Very unlikely to get points, with only seven recorded wins at Anfield, though they nicked a point last season under Nuno.
* **Brighton (Home):** Tough but not impossible. Brighton’s form has dipped slightly and Forest won 7-0 last season.
**Verdict:** _Forest could grab a win against Leeds and possibly a draw against Brighton, but Anfield will likely yield no points._
**Next three matches:**
1. **Burnley vs Chelsea** – _Nov 22, Turf Moor_
2. **Brentford vs Burnley** – _Nov 29, Brentford Community Stadium_
3. **Burnley vs Crystal Palace** – _Dec 3, Turf Moor_
**Form & Outlook:**
* **Chelsea (Home):** Chelsea are unpredictable, but Burnley will need a near-perfect performance to win – the form record is against them, with just one win in eighteen Premier League games versus our London rivals.
* **Brentford (Away):** Brentford are solid at home. A draw would be a good result. The teams have only ever played twice in the Premier League with the Bees winning both games.
* **Crystal Palace (Home):** This is Burnley’s best chance for points. Palace are beatable, especially away, and the visitors have three wins and two draws in eight Premier League visits to Selhurst Park.
**Verdict:** _Burnley could realistically aim for 3–4 points from these fixtures, with Palace being the key opportunity._
Whats your thoughts on West Ham’s next three games – was Paul Merson being too harsh? Please let us know in the comments section.