By Gerard McGovern from London, United Kingdom – Olympic StadiumUploaded by BaldBoris, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=20512002
Slavan Bilic’s decision to switch from his usual 4-2-3-1 formation to a 3-4-2-1 not only freed up Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini from their defensive responsibilities but it also saw them put in a much more stable performance at the back to secure a hard fought win at Palace. Hammers fans will hope this acts as a catalyst for their club getting back on track and they certainly have an opportunity to kick-on, hosting bottom-side and winless Sunderland.
Much has been made of West Ham’s move to the former Olympic Stadium and how it’s affected their performances but their poor results have ultimately come down to the side making too many mistakes and that has nothing to do with the venue. If they can be as solid at their new home as they were at Selhurst Park then their fortunes should change.
It’s worrying times for Sunderland manager David Moyes, whose side have picked up just two points from their first eight games. They’ve not really been blown away by anyone as four of their defeats have been by a single goal, including away to Spurs and City, but they’ve just not had the quality to land a punch themselves. Seven of their last 10 matches on the road have had fewer than three strikes as no side has scored more than twice against them. With Payet and Lanzini expected to be more prominent for the Hammers we fancy them to win but it will by no means be a thrashing.
Best Bet: Draw (West Ham -1) at 3.75
