**West Ham’s current form has given them hope in the race for Premier League survival. But could their remaining fixtures prove too much?**
Nuno Espírito Santo’s side are now just two points behind Nottingham Forest in 17th place. Additionally, only four points separate the Hammers from their bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur, who also find themselves in the relegation dogfight.
However, with only eleven games to go, there are concerns that West Ham’s upcoming fixtures will prove too tough for them to secure significant points. Aside from the big chances the Irons squandered against Bournemouth, this was the main concern among Hammers fans following Saturday’s 0–0 draw with the Cherries.
According to Opta Power Rankings, West Ham have the most difficult run-in of any side in the league. The Irons still have to face Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, Aston Villa and Brentford, among others, before the season is out.
Spurs have statistically been the worst side in the league over the last ten games, but their more favourable fixtures could see them steer clear of the drop. Despite their current momentum, the Hammers’ run-in has supporters worried.
But if the Premier League has shown us anything, it is that anyone can beat anyone. Spurs still have to play a Fulham side that beat them, a Forest team that humiliated them, and a Wolves side that held them to a draw.
As for Forest, they face Brighton, who beat them in November, a Sunderland side that edged past them at the City Ground, and a Burnley side from whom they only nicked a point — a team West Ham did the double over.
Of course, the Irons’ fixtures will be challenging. But in previous relegation scraps, West Ham have pulled out big results against big sides. In 2020, they beat Chelsea 3–2, which proved the catalyst for survival. Additionally, major results against title-chasing Arsenal and a strong Manchester United side helped the Irons to safety in 2023.
Given the current form of Nuno’s team, what’s to say they couldn’t take points off “big six” opposition again? Arsenal are panicking, Liverpool are not the force they once were, and Villa may have one eye on Europe.
West Ham remain the most likely side to face the drop this season, but nothing is stopping them from picking up big points over the next eleven games. They’ve done it before — why can’t they do it again?