15th Aug 2013 | Football
West Ham Utd 2013-14 Preview
Carroll, Nolan, Downing...you know what you're going to get at Upton Park these days, but it's pretty effective.
Best odds to finish top 10: 11/5 (Boylesports)
Last season: 10th
Reasons for hope:
Andy Carroll has signed permanently and he looks made to fit a Sam Allardyce team. The England striker will not only contribute goals himself but he will continue to bring attacking midfielders into dangerous areas around the box, such as evergreen Kevin Nolan. The further arrivals of Razvan Rat from Donetsk and Stewart Downing from Liverpool brings extra options to both defence and midfield down the flanks.
Potential bet: Top West Ham league goalscorer - Kevin Nolan: 3/1 (Bet365). The 31-year-old was the only Hammer to reach double figures last term.
Reasons to worry:
If Andy Carroll were to get injured, as he tends to, then there really is nobody suitable to take his place leading the line now that Carlton Cole has been released. Furthermore, Downing isn’t the sort of purchase that will appease critics of Allardyce around Upton Park who don’t like the direct approach. The accusation of being one-dimensional is here to stay.
Potential bet: Next manager to leave his post - Sam Allardyce (40/1 Coral)
Verdict:
There will be good months and worrying times interspersed. Another mid-table finish is almost certain, unless the powers that be lose faith in Big Sam.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 23:55 15th Aug, 2013 but subject to change
