Best 11: Ashton, Bellamy, Behrami, Noble, Parker, Faubert, McCartney, Upson, Ferdinand, Neil, R Green
Star Man
Craig Bellamy just gets the nod over Robert Green, who still can't get a look in at international level despite being England's only consistent keeper under the age of thirty five. Bellamy inspired both Newcastle and Blackburn to the top six and neither of those teams were quite the same after his departure. If he can get fit for the majority of this season then West ham could well break in to the top eight.
West Ham (best said in an exaggerated cockney accent) fans are among the most demanding in the country. Not only do they demand a push for the European places but they want to achieve this by playing attacking football. Why they think they have a Devine right to this is anyone's guess; especially as they haven't finished in the top eight since 2002.
It is true they have been brought up on attacking football but it's not given them a great deal of success. Alan Curbishly is almost universally disliked at Upton Park despite saving the club from certain relegation in the 06/07 season (with a lot of help from a certain Carlos Tevez). It's also worth noting that, despite the lengthy injury list, last seasons tenth place finish was their second best (in terms of the league pyramid) since 2002. Curbishley has said that if the attacking trio of Bellamy, Faubert and Dyer would have been fit then he would have played a more expansive brand of football. He claims that last years 4-5-1 was just a case of adapting to limited resources. West Ham fans have countered with a claim that he has bought injury prone players. Both sides have a point.
It's questionable whether West Ham's best eleven, if and when they are all fit, could push the likes of Spurs, Everton and Villa. If their first choice strike partnership can stay injury free then they should be able to muster about thirty goals between them. Dean Ashton is arguably England's top target man and showed signs of returning to his old self last season. His physical strength and eye for goal make up for his lack of pace and flair. His partner, Craig Bellamy, should compliment him well with his explosive style of play. Carlton Cole has been much maligned in recent years but he is an awkward man to play against, he is a good option to have on the bench especially if the team needs to be a bit more direct.
In midfield much depends how well the wide players, Faubert and Behrami, adapt to the English game. Both are fast, energetic players who get lots of crosses in to the box. It is unlikely they will deliver many goals however so the front two will have to take the bulk of the responsibility in this department. For a season or two Scott Parker was one of the premiership's top midfield players. The arrival of Mourinho and Michael Essien, on top of a lengthy injury, effectively ended his Chelsea career (despite an impressive start under Ranieri). His time at Newcastle was very much a mixed bag as he started well but ended up as a target for the boo-boys. His reunion with his former mentor has been interrupted by injury but he will look to get back to the form he showed under Curbishly in 2003 this term. He used to be a regular scorer at Charlton and West Ham will hope he can find his shooting boots again this term. Youth team product Mark Noble is likely to partner Parker and his energetic and committed diplays made him a hit with Hammers fans. The midfield seems to lack a bit of flair and creativity and Curbishly will be hoping he can get Kieron Dyer fit. It's a long shot but there in is no denying Dyer's talent and if he could put his injuries behind him he could be the man to transform West Ham from an organised and functional side to a good one.
In defence West ham have another player who struggles with injuries in the form of Matthew Upson, the former Birmingham man was a regular in the England squad in 2004 but has had a torrid time with injuries ever since. When he has been fit he has looked as solid as ever. It is a rarity these days for an entire first choice back five to share the same first language. West Ham are one of the only teams to have this luxury and Anton Ferdinand completes an all English back three (with Upson and keeper Robert Green). Ferdinand will always suffer from comparisons with his older brother but he is a good defender in his own rights. He has clearly based his game on his brother and forms a good partnership with the straight forward defending of Upson. Lucas Neil is one of the premierships better right backs (although he is certainly not worth the £80,000 a week he is supposed to be earning). George McCartney is under-rated at left back. As already stated it is hard to understand why Robert Green has been ignored by England. He has the key behind a number of 1-0 victories for west ham under Curbishly; most notably against Manchester United and Arsenal.
Who have they signed?
V. Behrami. The Swiss international has been a consistent performer in Serie A for Lazio over the past three seasons. He can play as a full back or a wide midfielder and can operate on either side. He covers a lot of ground, has pace and athleticism and is a good crosser of the ball.
Who should they sign and why?
West Ham have a big squad and a huge wage budget for a mid-table club. The person they most need to bring in is a world class fitness instructor, as well as a top physio. They need staff who can get the likes of Bellamy, Ashton, Dyer, Parker, Upson and Faubert fully fit.
Where will they hope to finish?
Seventh
What position will be seen as acceptable?
Depends a lot on what type brand of football they play. If the team are playing with a lot of width, keeping the ball on the deck and scoring goals then the fans would probably tolerate a place in the higher regions of mid table, such as eleventh.
Where will they actually finish?
Depends a lot on injuries but I'll say thirteenth
