West Ham United have five more games to save their skin and cannot afford to take their foot off the gas at this pivotal stage of the season.
They’ve spent the majority of the campaign relying on other results to bolster their chances of survival.
However, with the Hammers sitting 17th in the Premier League table, two points ahead of 18th-placed Tottenham Hotspur, their safety is now in their own hands.
On the bright side, West Ham have been in fine form since the start of February, losing just two of their nine Premier League games in that stretch (W3, D4).
The only problem is that they have struggled to convert some draws into wins, most recently settling for a goalless draw against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
While it may feel like a missed opportunity to establish a more comfortable buffer with the drop zone, that point could make all the difference ahead of a tricky final five fixtures.
Everton (H) – April 25
West Ham are poised to welcome a club legend back to East London in the first of their final five games, with David Moyes set to visit his old stomping ground.
Now in the Everton dugout, the Scottish manager will be determined to collect maximum points to bolster his side’s hopes of securing European football.
While West Ham can’t afford to drop points in this game, Moyes’ return to the London Stadium should give the Hammers plenty to worry about.
Moyes is familiar with the strengths and weaknesses of the Hammers squad.
His side have also thrived on the road this season, with only Arsenal and Manchester City boasting a better away record than the Toffees.
Fortunately for West Ham, they also have a strong home record, going unbeaten in their last five games at the London Stadium (W2, D3).
Brentford (A) – May 2
West Ham kick off the final month of the season with a daunting trip to the Gtech Community Stadium to take on Brentford in a London derby.
The Bees also have European football in sight so they’ll fight tooth and nail to come away with maximum points on home turf, leaving the odds firmly against the Hammers.
Unfortunately for West Ham, their record at the Gtech does little to inspire confidence.
The Hammers have failed to win any of their last four visits to Brentford’s turf, with last season’s 1-1 draw snapping a three-match losing streak at the Gtech.
Arsenal (H) – May 10
West Ham’s biggest test in this fixture run comes on May 10 when they welcome Arsenal to the London Stadium.
The Gunners are still in a title race, but the prospect of relegation for the first time in 15 years should be enough motivation for West Ham to approach this fixture with bravery.
Also, the Hammers already have experience disrupting Arsenal’s title challenge.
A 2-2 draw in this fixture severely dented Arsenal’s title hopes in 2022/23 and the Hammers will fancy their chances of repeating that feat next month.
That result snapped a three-match losing streak against Arsenal but also sparked resistance, with West Ham going on to avoid defeat in three of their subsequent six meetings (W2, D1).
Newcastle United (A) – May 17
West Ham then head to Tyneside to take on a floundering Newcastle United at St. James’ Park.
Eddie Howe’s side have flattered to deceive all season, leaving fans frustrated and calling for a change in the dugout this summer.
However, despite being on course to miss out on European football altogether, Howe’s future doesn’t seem to be in any danger.
That could change if they lost to West Ham on May 17 but the Hammers don’t have the best record against Newcastle.
Since a 2-2 draw in October 2023, both sides have alternated between victory and defeat across their last four meetings.
Seeing as West Ham won 3-1 in the reverse fixture on home turf, they’d do well to disrupt the pattern when they visit St. James’ Park.
Leeds United (H) – May 24
West Ham close out the campaign by welcoming Leeds United to East London. They’d be hoping to have secured their top-flight future by this time, but that’s easier said than done.
Leeds have done well to hit the 40-point mark so they’ll have nothing to fight for other than pride by the time this fixture rolls around.
That could play into West Ham’s hands, and they must seize the opportunity to pounce, considering their dismal recent record against the Peacocks.
They’ve won just one of their last four meetings with Leeds (D1, L2), losing 2-1 in the reverse fixture at Elland Road back in October 2025.