14th. West Ham
West Ham fared the best of the three promoted teams from last season when they finished 10th in the league. Since then they have
broken their record transfer fee paid when they spent £15 million on Andy Carroll. Despite that, I look at their squad for this season so far and I dont think it has improved from last year. Like a few of the other teams I have already mentioned, West Ham also seem to lack goals. Their top goal scorer last season was Kevin Nolan with 10 goals and he is now a year older and into his thirties. Andy Carroll will create and score a number of goals but he isnt exactly a prove goal scorer. I cant foresee him scoring 20 plus goals Also, Carrolls recent injury problems would also be a worry and
he is doubtful to face Cardiff in West Hams opening fixture. Apart from Andy Carroll, Modibo Maiga is the clubs only other natural striker. So they will almost certainly bring in a striker. Although
West Ham have been frustrated in their attempts to sign Werder Bremens Mark Arnautovic.
August 1, 2013 ">West Ham owner David Sullivans son Jack tweeted the following: VERY ANGRY The striker we hoped to sign seems to have chosen Spain, despite agent agreeing a deal with us. Will give full info tomorrow. Despite that, I think West Ham will be fine. Jarvis and Downing crossing for Carroll with Nolan sniffing around him will cause several teams problems. Key player: Andy Carroll. Transfers in so far:
Andy Carroll from Liverpool for £15 million.
Razvan Rat from Shakhtar Donetsk on a free transfer.
Adrian from Real Betis on a free transfer.
Stewart Downing from Liverpool for £5 million. Possible team to face Cardiff in their first fixture: GK: Jaaskelainen RB: OBrien CB: Collins CB: Reid LB: Rat LM: Jarvis RM: Downing CM: Diame CM: Noble AM: Nolan ST: Maiga