West Ham’s final game of the 2018/19 season sees us travel to Watford. With the Hornets likely to have one eye on the FA Cup final, can the Hammers finish with three wins on the spin?
Despite both teams being unable to finish in the 7th place they were both chasing a month ago, West Ham and Watford both have a chance to finish the season with a smile on their faces. If Watford can go on to win the FA Cup then they will be in Europe and have their hands on some top silverware. The Hammers can finish with 3 wins on the bounce and move above 50 points and finish in the top half.
So whilst the Hammers will be focusing on getting this match out of the way then going on holidays, Watford will be acutely aware their big game is still to come. Can the Irons push their way to 3 points against distracted opponents?
More from Green Street Hammers - West Ham
- Brighton vs West Ham predictions: Can James Ward-Prowse help end the curse?
- West Ham and two Premier League rivals made huge transfer stand
- Lucas Paqueta bet allegations discussed in West Ham and Man City transfer talks
- Bournemouth vs West Ham predictions: Premier League opener amid transfer chaos
- West Ham near Denis Zakaria transfer after final James Ward-Prowse bid
Obviously I’m making a big assumption that Watford will be distracted. It’s not a huge leap to think that the players will be more focused on the game at Wembley but by the same measure they will need to play well to guarantee their places. The last thing you want is to take it easy to avoid injury against West Ham then be pulled from the final because the manager is doubting your commitment.
So all I can say is that the Hammers should be able to put more into the match. This will be their last football for a couple of months, and they will head off on holidays before pre-season begins to enter their minds again. So if there’s a 50/50 ball, go for it. Make it yours. Let Watford know that they’re not going to get a nice home sendoff for the season. Make them worried.
It might not sound like much but if Pellegrini can get into the top half in his first season it will feel like a win. We could finish as high as 9th or low as 12th, a swing which can mean a difference of around 8m in prize money. That could make the difference between signing a big player and not. Fine margins are at play here, and West Ham should have the edge.