Premier League Preview: West Ham

Last, but certainly not least, comes West Ham. After a strong first season back in the Premier League, Sam Allardyce will be looking to press on and push for a top half finish. Last season Allardyce confounded the critics by performing well and will be looking to build on that this year.

The squad has been strengthened over the summer with the permanent signing of Andy Carroll as well as his Liverpool compatriot Stewart Downing. As well as these two, West Ham also signed Razvan Rat as a bolster in defence. They sold very few players so their has hardly been a dent in the squad and Allardyce will be looking to kick-start the season well. A lot will be reliant on the performance of Andy Carroll up front but with support from the wings as well as Nolan he will certainly get plenty of chances.

West Ham have had a hugely successful pre-season, winning every game but two. I fear for West Ham should they suffer an injury to key men such as Andy Carroll or any of the defence. Their squad has quality but perhaps lacks a bit of depth, but with the right signings before the end of the season, they will definitely be pushing for the top half.

Key Man: Andy Carroll - Plenty of players are vital for West Ham but the team really is built around Carroll. He has had a rough couple of seasons in and out of different teams but finally looks like he could be settled at West Ham. If he can remain injury free his powerful presence up front will create havoc in opposition defences.

One to Watch: Ravel Morrison - A difficult character but an undoubted talent, Morrison spent last season on loan at Birmingham. After being dismissed from Manchester United for his attitude and it also being questioned by Lee Clark at Birmingham, Allardyce will no doubt need to whip him into shape. However, with the right treatment, Morrison could easily be one of the most influential players in the side.

Best Summer Signing: Stewart Downing - Downing has been the butt of plenty of football related jokes over the last few years, however he actually had a much better season last year than the year before. I would consider £5 million for Downing an absolute coup, especially considering the style of football West Ham play. With the target man up front, Downing's crossing ability will be vital to the team.

Last Season: 10th

Pre-Season Prediction: 9th - I believe West Ham will make it into the single figure positions this year, but only just.