After a change in heart tactically from boss Sam Allardyce, which resulted in a superb performance and victory over Blackpool on Saturday, a run of form could result in a clear lead of the Championship table in two weeks time for West Ham.
Three of the best teams in the division will square up with Allardyce’s side before the end of the month and it will be a clear indication of whether the East Enders have what it takes to win the league.
First up for the Hammers are the early leaders of the division, Southampton away tonight. The Saints were two divisions below West Ham last season, but are looking for back-to-back promotions and have looked very tough to beat so far.
With top scorer Ricky Lambert now firing on all cylinders and influential midfielder Adam Lallana coming back from injury, this is undoubtedly Big Sam’s boys toughest game of the season to date. A victory for West Ham will send them top of the table and with an unbeaten away record so far this campaign it should be a fantastic game for the neutral.
After the trip to St Marys, it’s another tricky away game at high flying Brighton, who are currently sitting two points behind the Hammers after another impressive start to season following promotion from League One.
The Seagulls hitman Craig Mackail-Smith reportedly rejected a move to Upton Park in the summer and has started hitting the back of the neck on a regular basis for his new side which could cause the Hammers backline a few problems.
Brighton have however dropped points in recent weeks and are not looking as strong as they were in the opening games of the Championship season and so West Ham will be looking to compound their misery live on Sky Sports on Monday Night Football.
The following Saturday sees the meeting of the pre-season favourites for promotion as Leicester City visit Upton Park in a crunch game in the race for the title.
After a slow start to the campaign, Sven’s revolution at the Walkers Stadium has stumbled to a mid table position and a few more defeats in the coming weeks may see Sven leave another job after a short reign.
The Foxes are not to be underestimated however, with a strike-force of Jermain Beckford and David Nugent, they will always be a threat going forward, but may be without captain Matt Mills who was given a straight red card last weekend in a loss to Birmingham City and could be banned for three matches.
When November comes around expect to see the league table really taking shape, and with three tough games ahead for the Hammers, if they top the division at that stage then surely they will be well on their way to the Premier League.
6 points out of 9 will do me