Last season was a bit of a rollercoaster for Hammers fans. Before the season started, West Ham’s summer moves promised significant improvements to the team. However, after the PL got underway, West Ham’s chances dwindled quickly. Thankfully, the board decided to keep Manuel Pellegrini at the helm and it paid off. Following a string of good results, West Ham finished right in the middle of the PL table in the 10th spot.
This, along with promised improvements by the board and the manager himself, has infused Hammers fans with renewed belief that big things are coming for the London club. Punters from the UK are excited to bet on West Ham’s chances to win the PL which are currently set at 500/1. Bookies such as 888sport offer a variety of markets to bet on the PL and West Ham’s chances of winning a trophy, avoiding relegation or stay up. You can see the best 888 sports betting offers at freebets.co.uk. While you’re there, take a look at the free bet deals and bonuses which can pay well.
After the Top 10 finish last year, fans fully expect West Ham to challenge for a European spot the upcoming season. If there’s a man who can lead them there, it’s Manuel Pellegrini. Although the team started off the 18-19 season on the wrong foot, Pellegrini steered the ship in calmer waters and propelled the Hammers up the table. With a few improvements in key areas such as the defense, you can bet that West Ham might go even higher up the table.
Latest reports are indicating that West Ham’s boss is looking to bolster the front and he’s right to do so. Marko Arnautovic and Javier Hernandez have been too inconsistent, and with Arnautovic being more trouble than he’s worth and moved on now, the front should be retooled. The good news is that the team is doing everything in its power to sign new strikers. Maxi Gomez, Salomon Rondon, and Callum Wilson are reportedly the targets, which means Hammers fans could be in for an exciting summer.
Next up is the defense. If there’s one hole that needs to be plugged in the Hammers’ ship, it’s this. West Ham conceded more goals than they scored last year and were the only team in the top 10 with a negative goal difference (-3). There’s no question that the back line needs to be reinforced. With Issa Diop possibly on the move, West Ham will need to find a great defender fast.
In the midfield, West Ham has done a great job securing the services of Villareal ace Pablo Fornals. The 23-year old attacking midfielder was in sublime form in La Liga last year and he’s quite an exciting addition to Pellegrini’s squad. With teams enquiring about Declan Rice recently, West Ham has already contacted players such as Yacine Brahimi, a free agent this summer. It seems that Pellegrini is aware that the club might lose players in key areas and wants to strengthen the team before that happens. Smart move.
What’s troubling is that the Hammers have already missed out on several transfers this year, and stand to lose yet another race as Brahimi is reportedly interested in a move to their arch-rivals Arsenal. The addition of Pablo Fornals was a good deal, but the Hammers must now pull out all stops in order to sign a striker and other players. Time is working against the team, with the new PL season not a long time away. If Pellegrini reinforces the squad with a few quality signings, expect West Ham United to top last year’s finish and challenge for a trophy, at least in the cups if not in the Premier League.