A gruelling schedule on the horizon has just crept on West Ham and it will make David Moyes’ eyes water but is perfect for squad harmony.
As we close in on the end of another mind-numbingly dull international break, attentions turn back to West Ham’s Premier League campaign this weekend.
The Hammers have 11 players off with their countries for international duty and will be hoping all come back to Rush Green unscathed ahead of a tough-looking trip to Aston Villa.
Just two points and two places separate the claret and blues in what should be a very even contest at Villa Park.
It says everything about the progress West Ham have made under David Moyes that the club is set for a third consecutive season of 50-plus matches.
Gruelling schedule on horizon has just crept on West Ham and it will make David Moyes’ eyes water but is perfect for squad harmony
Unfortunately there will be yet another international break next month.
But the latest shutdown of club action means many may have failed to realise the punishing fixture list looming large.
The gruelling schedule on the horizon has just crept on West Ham and it will make Moyes’ eyes water but is perfect for squad harmony.
Starting against Villa this weekend, West Ham will play seven games in just 22 days – essentially a match every three days for the next three weeks.
7 big games in 22 days awaits Hammers
Players at other clubs such as Liverpool have been moaning about their workload.
And while Moyes has spoken out about fixture scheduling several times, West Ham’s players have always just got on with the task at hand.
While it promises to be a testing glut of matches, this spell is actually great for Moyes and his squad providing they can avoid any injuries to key players.
Because those Hammers stars on the fringes who have not been getting much game time thus far know they are about to be thrust into some very important games.
Smells like team spirit
Ask any player and they will tell you they much prefer playing games to training, which is usually kept quite light between matches during such an intense period.
This run of fixtures could be excellent for team morale with every individual on their toes knowing they will be getting a chance and contributing to the cause.
West Ham’s team spirit is already said to be superb. And this can only help.
If this run of games goes well West Ham could find themselves firmly ensconced in the battle for the European spots in the Premier League table with a third of the season played.
And should they do the double of Olympiacos they will have qualified automatically for the last 16 of the Europa League too.
Manage a win over what’s likely to be a second string Arsenal team and the Carabao Cup quarter-finals beckon too.
Exciting times ahead after this period of extreme boredom.
West Ham’s 7 games in 22 days:
Sun Oct 22 – Aston Villa (away), Premier League
Thur Oct 26 – Olympiacos (away), Europa League
Sun Oct 29 – Everton (home), Premier League
Wed Nov 1 – Arsenal (home), Carabao Cup fourth round
Sat Nov 4 – Brentford (away), Premier League
Thur Nov 9 – Olympiacos (home), Europa League
Sun Nov 12 – Notts Forest (home), Premier League
READ ALSO
Director speaks out on West Ham’s Scamacca mistake as striker returns to London.
David Sullivan confirms the current Lucas Paqueta situation as FA stay tight-lipped.
Maguire gives Hammers News his 13-word verdict on new Sheikh Jassim takeover talk.
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
