West Ham United face an uphill task in the race to avoid the chop with a little under 10 matches left to play in the Premier League, Needless to say, improved performance in recent weeks have done little to alter their course.
In their last league match against Arsenal, it was frustrating to watch the common case of poor finishing in front goal when the stakes got high. Eventually, the home side stole that one to leave the Hammers in a pretty dangerous situation.
Only goal difference of about three goals separates 18th place Bournemouth from 16th place West Ham. They have been here before. In the last quarter of the season, facing the possibility of relegation and unsure how things would pan out. In 2007, West Ham were in a relegation dogfight with Sheffield United.
This intense affair went up to the final day of the season when the Hammers had to win at the already crowned champions Manchester United to survive relegation. It is Carlos Tevez who popped up with the only goal to ensure the team remained in the top flight.
The postponement of matches due to the global pandemic offers the much-needed respite as there is more time for David Moyes’ team to rebuild and hopefully get some players back from injury. What does the calendar look like? Well two matches have been postponed. One is against Wolverhampton Wanderers who are battling it out for European places in the top half.
The second is away at Tottenham. On paper, these are tricky fixtures this close to the end of the season. It doesn’t any easier as the next projected fixture is at home against Chelsea on April 5th. Going into this match, West Ham has lost 7 of their last 10 matches.
In terms of the relegation battle, other teams around the Hammers are: Watford, Bournemouth, Aston Villa and bottom side Norwich City. Betfair has the odds of the Hammers to be relegated at 11/4. This is no surprise given the match ups that are left. Norwich, on 21 points are four points off the pace and are 2/11 to drop.
This presents an interesting prospect of a classic relegation fight. As the relegation battle lines are drawn, you too can be part of the bandwagon from the bookies, as there are free bets for new users who join in 2020. Every match and point counts as it could be the difference between staying in the top flight or facing the chop. Unibet has an amazing offer for new customers only. A minimum £10 deposit and placed sportsbook bet of £20+ at odds 2/5 (1.40) gives the gamer a chance to get a £20 casino bonus after the first bet is settled.
Selected Betfair relegation odds
West Ham-11/4
Watford-19/10
Bournemouth-4/5
Aston Villa-4/11
Norwich City-2/11
In the News
Moyes’ progress
Hammers’ boss Moyes is no longer in self-quarantine after coming into contact with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta after their previous meeting. Arteta was publicly announced as having tested positive for the Coronavirus. It has been reported by Sky Sports that he has shown no symptoms of the virus.
The decision to halt the league was taken after Arteta and Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi tested positive. It remains to be seen on what direction the league will take for the remainder of the season.
The former Manchester United manager faces a daunting task of leading his side into safety. Despite being a month old into the post in January, he came out as the favourite to be sacked. This forced bookies to cut their odds from an initial 40/1. He is currently the next manager to leave at 14/5 according to Betfair which means that is likely to happen.
Of course, that will be pegged on how West Ham finish the Premier League season and the overall project the team plans to have going into next season.
Snodgrass situation
Scottish winger Robert Snodgrass’ current contract will expire at the end of the season. The details entail the option of a further year with the North London West Ham having the cards to exercise the extension option. He has made over 80 appearances for the club.
There has been an improvement in how West Ham have played in the last few games. The ball has been moved a bit faster in and around the box while the threat up front is clear. Certainly, a more potent partnership between Sébastien Haller and Michail Antonio is something that can lift the side. If there is any better time to step up, now would be it. Will we witness another spectacle from the Hammers at the tail end of the season? Only time will tell.
