- Premier League News / Premier League Fixtures / Transfer Centre
Last season - 17th
The Hammers collected just 35 points from 38 games last season, and spent most of the campaign hovering in and around the relegation zone.
Ultimately they escaped the drop, but manager Gianfranco Zola paid the price for his team's failings and has been replaced by former Chelsea boss Avram Grant at the Boleyn Ground for the new campaign.
Much of the credit for their survival last season went to Scott Parker, who consistently excelled from midfield and popped up with some vital goals in big games.
In Frederic Piquionne (Lyon, undisclosed), Pablo Barrera (£4 million, Universidad Nacional), Thomas Hitzlesperger (Lazio, free)
Out Bondz Ngala (Plymouth), Josh Payne, Guillermo Franco, Araujo Ilan (all free)
Player to watch Pablo Barrera
The Mexican international featured at the World Cup and offers West Ham some genuine pace on the flank. Nicknamed 'The Dynamite', Barrera has excellent close control and loves to run at defenders.
Football.co.uk verdict
The expected exodus at West Ham has yet to materialise, and sense of calm appears to have descended following Grant's arrival. Their new manager's vast experience, added to the strength of his new signings should see the Hammers well clear of relegation danger this season.
Thomas Hitzlesperger will add steel in midfield and Barrera could prove one of the most exciting new talents in the top flight.
Prediction - 9th
Full countdown list
- Newcastle United
- West Bromwich Albion
- Blackpool
Source: DSG
