West Ham United kick off the season with a daunting trip to face Manchester United at Old Trafford, here we predict their first five games.
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic
Slaven Bilic’s side will have to play their first three games away from home due to the London Stadium hosting athletics and the time it takes to convert the ground back into football mode.
That means the club will face trips to Old Trafford, Southampton and Newcastle before they kick a ball at their new home in September.
For West Ham teams of the past that would be a troublesome prospect given the club’s history of struggling on their travels, particularly at the start of a season.
But the last two years under Bilic has seen the Hammers much improved on the road, which bodes well given the circumstances this upcoming campaign.
Here we predict how the club’s first five games might pan out:
Bilic faces Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho first up
Manchester United vs West Ham
A tough test to start the new season against a Red Devils side who will undoubtedly be going big in the transfer window this summer as Jose Mourinho bolsters his squad for their return to the Champions League.
Old Trafford is never the easiest place to get a result but West Ham have won there before and famously beat Arsenal 2-0 at the Emirates on the opening day of Bilic’s debut season in charge.
This could be a bridge too far, though, even if West Ham pull a few rabbits out of the hat during the transfer window.
Prediction: Manchester United win
West Ham celebrate during the 3-1 win at Southampton last season
Southampton vs West Ham
The Saints are under new management after Mauricio Pelligrino replaced the sacked Claude Puel this summer although their model continues to work in the Premier League. Southampton have had a number of their young players involved in international football over the summer which could take its toll.
West Ham won 3-1 at St Mary’s last season and there is no reason why they can’t repeat that this season.
Prediction: West Ham win
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez
Newcastle vs West Ham
You never know what to expect from the newly-promoted sides but with Newcastle they have been around the block. St James’ Park has not been a happy hunting ground for West Ham historically and the Magpies will surely be wiser and tougher opposition having worked under Rafa Benitez for the last season and a half.
A third away game on the trot and the travelling involved could take its toll on Bilic’s side but they should have enough quality to come away with a point.
Prediction: Draw
Huddersfield Town manager David Wagner
West Ham vs Huddersfield
West Ham’s first home game of the season sees them come up against another newly-promoted side in Huddersfield.
The Terriers are everyone’s favourites to be relegated but the novelty of the Premier League often sees less fancied clubs start well.
The Hammers did not fare well at their new home in their first season with only seven league wins.
But the players will be glad to be at home after their trio of away trips and should win comfortably.
Prediction: West Ham win
Bilic and Tony Pulis share a hug
West Bromwich Albion vs West Ham
Games between these two usually go with the home side and last term this fixture was arguably West Ham’s worst performance of the entire campaign – and there were a few to choose from.
The Baggies have lost influential midfielder Darren Fletcher but will no doubt invest under their new owners.
West Brom finished 10th last season and the Hammers 11th and there is not a great deal to choose between them even if overall the East Londoners probably have more quality.
This could be another even tussle.
Prediction: West Brom win.
Total: 7 points from a possible 15 should see West Ham safely ensconced in midtable with a mouthwatering match against bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur to follow in game week six.
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