2016 is just around the corner and the Hammers should be relishing the start of the New Year.
The winter schedule is always a difficult time for the Hammers and it spelt the end of our early-season success in the previous campaign, with injuries resulting in the Hammers falling down the table and eventually finishing in a mediocre 12th place.
Although last season was a bit of an anti-climax, there is plenty to be optimistic about this time round as we approach 2016. The Hammers rounded off 2015 with a well-earned win against a Southampton side that had made mincemeat of league leaders Arsenal just days before the game.
Despite murmurings of negativity from some fans throughout December, the reality of the situation is that the Hammers are now 6 games unbeaten, conceding just three goals in the process.
With the likes of Manuel Lanzini and Dimitri Payet returning, there is no reason as to why the Hammers cannot emulate the scintillating form that made them irresistible to watch in the early stages of the season. Their presence in the side will also lift the players around them, resulting in more positive performances in the future.
Although a couple of players returning does not guarantee wins, Bilic has already proven that he can lead his team through an injury crisis and pick up points throughout that period. This is something that cannot be ignored as it shows his intelligent approach to the games the Hammers have played without their star men.
A home tie against Liverpool is by no means an easy fixture but Klopp’s side looked bang average against an impressive Watford team in their 3-0 victory at Vicarage Road in the winter schedule.
If the Hammers can maintain their excellent defensive form and encourage the likes of Payet and Lanzini to get on the ball then West Ham are more than capable of picking up three points. The Irons have won as many league games against Liverpool in their last three meetings (2) as they did in their previous 22 combined so there is certainly some cause for optimism.
Time will tell whether 2016 will be a good year for West Ham but under Bilic’s guidance they are certainly heading in the right direction.
