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West Ham must face up to relegation reality to beat Swansea

By Scott Johnson

HULL, ENGLAND - APRIL 01: Slaven Bilic, Manager of West Ham United reacts during the Premier League match between Hull City and West Ham United at KCOM Stadium on April 1, 2017 in Hull, England. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)
HULL, ENGLAND - APRIL 01: Slaven Bilic, Manager of West Ham United reacts during the Premier League match between Hull City and West Ham United at KCOM Stadium on April 1, 2017 in Hull, England. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images) /
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West Ham host Swansea in a relegation battle this afternoon, and there’s more than pride at stake.

The visitors are currently in 18th place, with West Ham only 5 points above them and the relegation zone. The East London side were expected to be moving towards a European place this season but struggled to gain any momentum during the season. Now they must face up to the reality of their position.

Swansea have been much improved under Paul Clements who was appointed mid season, and they are a threat. It was only a late game collapse that stopped them claiming all three points against second placed Spurs. So what can the Hammers do to ensure victory this weekend?

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Relegation Adrenaline

They must use the push of relegation to spur them into better than they have been. In recent games the fight has not been there and that has shown because each player has been guilty of errors and being off the pace.

Injuries may be a reason for a lack of quality in some areas but that cannot be an excuse. Most teams have injuries throughout the season and it’s about dealing with the inevitable. The team that will be put out on Saturday will have a chance to get three points, but they must believe it.

If the side believe that their abilities are too good to go down, then they will sink closer and closer to the danger of the Championship. It is not a drop that forgives egos, you only have to look at Newcastle United for that. However they can’t play with fear either, for that will create mistakes. Instead they must look at the fact it is in their hands, and a win here will provide a real boost to the survival chances.

Despite what the board says, I still believe Slaven Bilic is on borrowed time. If he does not impress in the coming games what do they have to lose by firing him? The board will move for the next option and chance their hand. He must use the fight for his job as a spur.

Next: 5 stats which show why Bilic should be sacked

The new stadium will take time to bed in. It will take time to find the voice that Upton Park had. The side cannot appear nervous, because that will translate to the fans. And a nervous home stadium is exactly what Swansea want.