Relegation from the Premier League could easily have sent West Ham into freefall, but Nuno Espirito Santo’s decision to remain at the helm has paid off handsomely.
Following the conclusion of the first [international break](https://footballtoday.com/international-breaks/) of the season, the Hammers enter their next set of Championship fixtures buoyed by four wins and a draw from their last five league matches.
Between now and the November hiatus, West Ham have a golden opportunity to seize control of the promotion race as they navigate a crucial seven-match run and here is how the Hammers’ upcoming matches rank on the excitement and momentum scale:
**7\. Lincoln City (A) — October 14**
A midweek trip to Sincil Bank against newly promoted Lincoln is exactly the kind of fixture promotion hopefuls must win, and the Hammers’ unbeaten away record so far gives every reason for confidence.
**6\. Queens Park Rangers (H) — October 9**
West Ham’s attacking form has been the story of the season so far, and a home clash with a struggling QPR side—winless in four—offers the perfect platform to keep the goals flowing and the points tally rising.
**5\. Cardiff City (A) — November 4**
Another midweek away trip that, on current form, looks eminently winnable. Three points from a second consecutive visit to Wales would be a significant boost.
**4\. Swansea City (A) — October 17**
Another away day, this time against current league leaders Swansea, is arguably the toughest test in this run. However, West Ham have the firepower to secure what would be a statement win.
**3\. Blackburn Rovers (A) — November 7**
The final game before the break, away at Ewood Park, presents a chance for West Ham to enter the international fortnight firmly embedded in the promotion conversation and the romantic narrative of an immediate top-flight return gaining real momentum.
**2\. West Bromwich Albion (H) — October 31**
Back-to-back home matches are a luxury in a congested schedule, and facing a promotion-chasing West Brom side is a direct measuring stick for how far Nuno’s rebuild has come.
**1\. Southampton (H) — October 24**
A high-profile clash at London Stadium against a Southampton side with Premier League pedigree. A positive result here would be the clearest sign yet that West Ham belong at the summit of the Championship.
Seven games – five of them genuinely winnable – and a squad already playing with the freedom and confidence that a fresh start in the Championship brings.
If West Ham can collect anything close to maximum points from this run, the conversation will quickly shift to how soon they can reclaim their place in the Premier League.