West Ham face yet another must-win game as we head to West London to face Brentford on Saturday. However, this particular ‘must win’ would allow us to move FIVE points ahead of Tottenham Hotspur, who play Aston Villa later due to the Midlanders’ European commitments.
Brentford have had a decent season under Keith Andrews and comfortably beat us earlier this season, with Jordan Henderson (absent for this one) pulling the strings. The Hammers got revenge by dumping the Bees out of the FA Cup, so this one is anyone’s game. Mathematically, Brentford are still in the run-in for European places via the Premier League, but the reality is with Liverpool and Manchester City away still to play, it is going to be difficult for them.
West Ham know exactly what is at stake. Recent wins over Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton, plus a point at Crystal Palace, have given us momentum at exactly the right time. Now it is about backing that up again and grabbing another result when the pressure is really on.
Momentum building at the right time
There is no getting away from it — this is a massive opportunity for West Ham. We sit just above the relegation zone with only four games left, and every point feels huge now.
If Spurs lose at Villa and we do the business first, the psychological blow to them could be enormous. Suddenly the pressure swings firmly onto North London.
Nuno Espírito Santo appears to have steadied the ship. Two wins and a draw from the last three games is exactly the sort of run survival battles are built on.
Team news boost for Hammers
Nuno said in his press conference that there were some small knocks, but everyone should be okay for the weekend. That is exactly what supporters wanted to hear.
For Brentford, Rico Henry, Vitaly Janelt and Henderson are doubts, while Fábio Carvalho and Antoni Milambo are ruled out.
That could be significant because Brentford are a strong side when fully loaded, but less daunting when key players are missing.
Predicted West Ham XI
I think Nuno sticks with the winning team against Everton — and why wouldn’t he?
Gonzo verdict
I think we can win this, let’s be honest, we have to. Brentford have done well this season but they are not world beaters.
My heart says 2-1 West Ham. My head says draw.
On this occasion, I’ll let the heart overrule the head.