West Ham will be aiming to finish their Premier League season in style in their final five games, by staving off the threat of relegation.
David Moyes’ side appear to be doing it the hard way, however, as Saturday’s lunchtime defeat to Crystal Palace left them just five points above the drop.
The Hammers will also have the Europa Conference League to navigate as we near the campaign’s conclusion, meaning they will have at least seven matches to get through before the end of May.
With five top-flight matches remaining, here’s how we think the rest of West Ham’s Premier League campaign will play out.
West Ham fixtures
- 3 May: Man City (a)
- 7 May: Man United (h)
- 14 May: Brentford (a)
- 21 May: Leeds (h)
- 28 May: Leicester (a)
Man City v West Ham
West Ham kick may off with a trip to the reigning champions as they face a treble-chasing Manchester City. Whether the Citizens’ upcoming Champions League clash means Pep Guardiola will rest players in this rearranged game remains to be seen, but it is clear who the favourites are here.
And after shipping four against a resurgent Palace side, there is surely only one way this result will go. Moyes may well see this as a free hit, so it may be unwise to go for broke in a game where they may not even be expected to have a sniff.
Prediction: Man City 3-0 West Ham
West Ham v Man United
West Ham host Manchester United at the London Stadium four days later looking to produce a surprise result.
Moyes will no doubt be revved up to get one over on the club he used to manage, but with the Hammers set to prepare for a Europa Conference League date with AZ Alkmaar at this point, Erik ten Hag’s side will surely remain favourites to prevail in east London, despite their form dipping in recent months.
That said, we think the Hammers may be able to produce another big performance at home against one of the division’s stronger sides. After all, the Red Devils let a two-goal lead slip on their last visit to the capital, and with West Ham showing their capacity to fight back in recent weeks, following the form book may not be the best idea.
Prediction: West Ham 1-1 Man Utd
Brentford v West Ham
West Ham’s last away game of 2022/23 is one that is very difficult to predict, and it may end up coming down to which Brentford side turn up on the day, with the Bees’ form inconsistent heading into the run-in. Having halted a run of six games without a win with a terrific victory at Chelsea, they won’t be a side to take lightly.
Thomas Frank’s men have enjoyed an excellent campaign overall, rarely being threatened by relegation and sitting ninth in the table at the start of the weekend, and their 2-0 win at the London Stadium in December highlighted their quality.
They could be ‘on the beach’ when they face the Hammers in May, though, which could work in the visitors’ favour – provided they avoid any European hangover, with this game sandwiched between their Conference League semi-final tie.
Prediction: Brentford 1-2 West Ham
West Ham v Leeds
This clash with Leeds United next month has the potential to be massive for both teams. From a West Ham perspective, they will hopefully have pulled clear of the relegation picture by then, but that is far from a given.
Either way, a home game against a struggling Leeds side should spell victory for the Hammers, with the Whites without a victory on the road since the last international break. However, with the visitors scrapping for anything they can and considering West Ham’s congested schedule, it could be a tougher ask than it seems.
Prediction: West Ham 2-2 Leeds
Leicester v West Ham
West Ham finish their domestic campaign with a trip to Leicester City, and much like the Leeds game, this could feel like such a huge occasion to end the season.
The Foxes sit 18th currently and appeared to be in freefall, and while their form has improved somewhat under Dean Smith, the Foxes’ fate could be sealed by the time this fixture comes around, while Moyes’ side could be playing for places in a Conference League final.
Prediction: Leicester 2-3 West Ham
- Predicted run-in points: 8/15
- Predicted total points: 42
