Starting this weekend with the visit of Sunderland, Upton Park needs to become a solid source of points. Just two wins so far, and only one since the opening day, suggest that with a better home record West Ham will pull clear of the relegation zone. February sees three home fixtures, against Swansea, Norwich and Southampton, with a trip to Villa the sole away jaunt. Allardyce, ever the pragmatist, will have identified those home games as the time to really lay down their marker for survival. With Swansea's squad struggling to cope with the Europa League strain, and Southampton starting to fade, the Hammers may yet be able to capitalise and ease their fears. Of course, by then West Ham could already be breathing a bit easier. The year is rounded off with successive home dates against Arsenal and West Brom. Big Sam had Arsenal's number throughout his spell at Bolton, and would love the chance to put a dent in the Gunner's title charge. West Brom are not quite the same proposition this season without Lukaku, so if Allardyce's charges can get a head of steam going, there is no reason to panic just yet.
I am from Bangor, aged 24, and possess an MA in Journalism from The University Of Ulster. I have had work published in the Belfast Telegraph and interviewed several local footballers and Olympic athletes. I also run my own sports blog, 'Sporting Thought' in addition to contributing to What Culture.
