After seemingly cheating relegation last season, West Ham have improved drastically. Already resigned to the departure of Carlos Tevez, they gave a signal of intent with the summer addition of players like Nolberto Solano, Freddie Ljungberg, Scott Parker, Craig Bellamy, Kieron Dyer and lastly, Julien Faubert.

The back four look settled with Lucas Neill and Matthew Upson leading the way. However, long-term injuries to Faubert and Dyer have weakened a potentially great midfield.

Bellamy was off to a wonderous start before injuring himself while Bobby Zamora was great and I feel it would be a mistake to unload him in January. Dean Ashton is also a good player when he is 100 per cent.

'Most people have yet to see what Faubert can offer. He is the creative player they have been lacking for so long'


I don't think West Ham need too much strengthening in January; they have a top-half quality team, perhaps making a push for Europe - but it's a long stretch.

In the second half of the season, the Hammers should be free of major injury woes and most people have yet to see what Faubert can offer. He is the creative player they have been lacking for so long. He's not a goalscorer, though nine in 96 appearances is an OK showing - and he also scored in his one and only appearance for France.
 
I don't think West Ham will drastically improve with getting their injured players back. I expect a seventh or eighth place finish if Bellamy, Ljungberg, Solano, Zamora, Luis Boa Morte and Ashton can get clicking. However, if they all play to their full potential, I expect nothing less than top six.

 I praise the West Ham defence, particularly goalkeeper Robert Green. Overall, though, Neill, Upson and George McCartney have also been consistent.