Sport nationAlan Shearer and Gary Lineker Share Their Predictions for West Ham United’s Premier League Finish
The 2024/25 Premier League season is just around the corner, and pundits Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker have shared their predictions for West Ham United’s finish. On The Rest is Football podcast, they agreed that the Hammers could challenge for a European place.
Lineker’s Prediction
Lineker stated, “I quite like the look of what they’ve spent. I can see them challenging for Europe, just missing out, so mid-table.” This prediction suggests that West Ham have made significant improvements during the transfer window, which could lead to a higher finish in the league table.
Shearer’s Prediction
Shearer added, “Agreed, I’ve got them just better. What did you say they were last season, ninth? I’ve got them maybe a little bit better than that – maybe eighth or ninth?” Shearer’s prediction is slightly more optimistic than Lineker’s, suggesting that West Ham could finish as high as eighth or ninth in the league table.
West Ham’s Summer Overhaul
West Ham have made significant signings during the transfer window, including Max Kilman, Crysencio Summerville, Niclas Fullkrug, Guido Rodriguez, Jean-Clair Todibo, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. These additions have transformed the team into contenders for European places.
The signings have addressed key areas of the team, including defense, midfield, and attack. Max Kilman and Jean-Clair Todibo have strengthened the defense, while Crysencio Summerville and Niclas Fullkrug have added pace and goalscoring ability to the attack. Guido Rodriguez and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have provided depth and quality to the midfield.
Pressure on Lopetegui
Manager Julen Lopetegui is under pressure to deliver after David Moyes paid the price for missing out on European football last season. Lopetegui has been backed in the transfer market, and it is expected that he will lead the team to a higher finish in the league table.
An eighth-placed finish could be enough for a return to the Europa Conference League, which would be a significant achievement for the club. However, Lopetegui will be aiming higher, and a top-seven finish is not out of the question.
Tough Test Against Aston Villa
Lopetegui faces a tough test against Aston Villa on Saturday to start the season. A win would send a statement to the rest of the Premier League and set the tone for the season.
The match against Aston Villa will be a challenging one, as Dean Smith’s side have also made significant signings during the transfer window. However, West Ham’s new signings and Lopetegui’s tactics could give them the edge they need to secure a win.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker have predicted that West Ham United will challenge for a European place in the 2024/25 Premier League season. The club’s summer overhaul has transformed the team into contenders for European places, and manager Julen Lopetegui is under pressure to deliver.
The match against Aston Villa on Saturday will be a tough test, but a win could set the tone for the season. West Ham fans will be hoping that their team can build on last season’s ninth-placed finish and secure a higher finish in the league table.
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