West Ham United have been tipped by several pundits and fans to push the top six hard this season.
West Ham finished 10th in their first season under Manuel Pellegrini and played some excellent football along the way.
Despite a rocky start, it was a comfortable season for West Ham.
And the London Stadium started to feel more like home with West Ham boasting the best record outside the top six on their own turf.
Raised expectations
Expectations have raised ahead of the big kick-off after the exciting signings of Spanish youngster Pablo Fornals and striker Sebastien Haller.
Former Hammers stars such as Sky Sports pundit Tony Gale has backed Pellegrini to push his side into the top six.
His old Boys of 86 teammate Tony Cottee has revealed why he is full of praise for co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold after years criticising the duo, read full story here.
Another ex Hammer Don Hutchison has told 5 Live Sport he is excited for West Ham under Pellegrini this season.
His old Boys of 86 teammate Tony Cottee has revealed why he is full of praise for co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold after years criticising the duo, read full story here
Shock jock Adrian Durham also likes the look of the Hammers. He told talkSPORT over the summer that he too thinks West Ham can challenge the top six.
But one former West Ham star who is not buying into the hype is Joe Cole.
Joe Cole plays down Hammers top six hype
The fans’s favourite poured cold water on talk of West Ham ousting one of the established elite in an interview with talkSPORT.
And he told Pellegrini he still has work to do in the transfer market to put the Hammers close to contention.
“It will be a tall order for West Ham to do that,” Cole told talkSPORT Drive.
“Simply because I just think to get into that top six now you’ve got to spend so much money. They have brought in Fornals and Haller up front, who I know are good players.
“But I think maybe they need another two or three (signings) before the window shuts if they can (have a chance) to get that (top six). I like Leicester (for top six). I can’t see anyone (breaking into the top six) to be honest with you. Saying that I can possibly see Arsenal falling out of it.”
Nine out, four in… so far
The majority of West Ham fans would agree with Cole’s comments.
West Ham have allowed a host of players to leave this summer. A total of 9 players have left so far with Marko Arnautovic, Andy Carroll, Adrian, Lucas Perez, Edimilson Fernandes, Pedro Obiang, Sam Byram, Jordan Hugill and Marcus Browne departing.
Only four – two of those being back-up goalkeepers on free transfers – have arrived.
West Ham are in desperate need of a second striker and another defensive midfielder.
Another former West Ham midfielder who shares Cole’s pessimism is Paul Ince, read full story here.
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