**The Hammers currently have eight games remaining this season in all competitions, but what is required in the next five matches to ensure safety?**
West Ham have had a season of woes so far. The squad has immensely struggled with the Premier League this season, and from the moment that Nuno Espírito Santo signed, it feels as if all we’ve been doing is chasing – playing catch-up with others and with just 7 Premier League matches remaining, we still find ourselves in the relegation zone.
The international break has come around at a good time as it finally allows the Hammers to recoup their entire squad from injury, something that we haven’t had in a while. Crysencio Summerville is expected to return against Leeds in the FA Cup, whilst Todibo’s light injury in the warm-up yesterday isn’t expected to be an issue.
With Nuno having all players available to him, I personally expect him to return to a 4-4-2 formation with Pablo and Taty upfront and have Summerville and Bowen out in the wings. Playing that previously was our most successful formation and something we definitely need to utilise.
Leeds United is a massive game when returning, though some might say that the FA Cup doesn’t provide points. It could provide a world of confidence for the players as well as the fans, a trip to Wembley in the cup is something no one wants to turn down – Easter Sunday is a massive opportunity for us.
Overlooking that, we then enter the ‘all or nothing’ period of Wolves, Crystal Palace, Everton and Brentford.
Whilst the Hammers play Wolves on Friday night. Leeds are set to take on Manchester United, Nottingham Forest take on Aston Villa, and Spurs are set to face Sunderland.
If the Hammers don’t secure a victory against Wolves, Nuno’s side could be in serious trouble, especially if results around us aren’t favourable.
With seven games remaining, West Ham can only be riding their luck for so long before time runs out. From the moment we return from the international break, the fighting spirit we hold is required to translate into wins with no excuses. A victory against Wolves could see others plummet in confidence if they cannot match our victory.
It’s begining the feel that the next Premier League match might be all or nothing, but the reality is, the Hammers need 7 points from their next four matches to be in a position of safety – only time will now tell.