Premier League 2013-14: Season Predictions

West Ham

Finally in our review comes the last of the London clubs West Ham All too often last season, they were criticised for being too predictable and ugly football, where they would try and hoof it up in order for someone to knock it down and have a shot at the opposition goal. The signing of Andy Carroll on loan last season, only served to justify that stereotype last season, as the 6 foot striker would oblige in using his height and hold up play effectively to knock down to Kevin Nolan most often, whose 10 goals from midfield earned him plaudits for his reliability and workrate. However, they do have further strings to their bow, as demonstrated by the team goal scored in the 2-2 draw against Manchester United finished off handsomely by Mohamed Diame. Further evidence of this shift in style may come with the signing of Stewart Downing from Liverpool. Along with Matt Jarvis on the opposite wing, Downing is capable of beating his man and cutting inside to create chances, in an attempt to recreate his form for Middlesborough when he started his career. Along with adding defensive steel with the signing of Shakhtar Donetsk centre back Rizvan Rat, Allardyce has ensured that there will be no 'second season syndrome' and instead a comfortable mid-table finish. Prediction: 11th