West Ham legend Sir Trevor Brooking has boldly predicted that his former club are capable of getting results against the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United, who they face in their next three games.
The Hammers face a tricky trip to Everton this weekend having already lost four games on the bounce in the Premier League, but Brooking reckons that facing three of the top six in their next three fixtures are the type of matches that may inspire West Ham to get a good result.
He has also reinforced the fact that Richarlison being absent for Everton this Sunday is important for the Irons and their quest to get some points on the board.
“It is worrying because defensively we’ve conceded 10 goals, we’ve only scored two and there’s also a lot of discussion about the midfield area,” he told Ian Stone’s Comedy Breakfast on Love Sport Radio.
“We’ve got Everton away. You’ve got to give credit to Huddersfield who went there and got a draw. It will be the last game of Richarlison’s ban so they go up there not facing him which is important.
“But then after that it’s Chelsea and Man United at home, Brighton away who are doing very well at home and then Spurs back at home. The next three home games other than the League Cup are against three of the top six.
“Having said that, as a player and a fan, any West Ham person will tell you that it’s the type of game where we might come to life and get a result.”
OPINION
This is a bold claim made by the former West Ham player, but then again it is his duty to remain optimistic about their chances this season. They have been extremely poor so far, and they will need to up their game considerably if they stand any chance of getting a result from Goodison Park. However, it is hard not to agree with him that the prospect of facing a top team like Chelsea may inspire them to get a good result. More often than not, we see smaller teams come out fighting against the top-six, and sometimes this proves dividends for them. As we witnessed in Brighton’s win over Manchester United this season, teams in the bottom half are more than capable of testing the big teams. If West Ham want to do the same, then they must look at the Seagulls’ example – and they may surprise themselves as a result.