Premier League action is set to return next week and for West Ham United fans it could well be a nervy final nine games. With what to expect from Premier League restart covered by SkySports.
It is fair to say that 2019-20, similar to previous campaigns, started with a lot of enthusiasm among the supporter base but has panned out to be a disappointment.
Summer transfer business was generally seen as enterprising and exciting, but the team has failed to show the required consistency to push into the top-half of the table.
With the action returning, some teams will hit the ground running and put together winning form, while others may take time to get back into the swing of things.
Pre-pandemic form counts for little and West Ham supporters will hope that the preparation of David Moyes and the Hammers first-team squad will be good enough to stave off potential relegation.
Currently tied with Bournemouth and Watford for the final relegation spot, West Ham are actually seen as a relatively safe bet to stay in the Premier League according to sites listed on Sports Betting Dime.
Currently sitting at roughly 2/1, the Hammers are being allotted about a 65% chance to remain in the top flight. Bournemouth, at 5/6, are considered the heavy relegation favourite among the trio.
Schedule is a big factor. Bournemouth play five of their final nine matches against top-eight teams, including away at Wolverhampton, Man U, and Man City. West Ham play four top-eight opponents and only two of those are away.
West Ham have the ideal opportunity to get three points next weekend and move themselves away from relegation danger with a home clash against Wolves.
A Hammers victory on the ‘opening day’ would be a welcome present as football returns, but there are so many unknowns and unpredictable factors in play.