West Ham United

Sunderland's 3-0 win over West Ham on the opening weekend really set the tone for both teams' seasons, but it doesn't really help me much here.

The Hammers' win at Tottenham last week was extraordinary given their form going into that game, but their home record is still extremely poor.

Sunderland, meanwhile, are not the same force on the road as they are at the Stadium of Light, and they have not won away since the end of October.

Still, it has been such a strange season, with everyone beating everyone, that form, history, tables and stats are not really much help with these predictions anyway.

In the past few weeks, I have thought too much about AI and gone down the stat route to try to beat it at its own game, but that's not how I won the predictions title in previous seasons.

I need to go with my gut instinct more, and that's what I'm doing here.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Nick Mashiter
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Wolves have rejected a bid from Leeds United for striker Jorgen Strand Larsen.

The offer fell well below Wolves' £40m asking price and came a number of days ago.

Nottingham Forest, West Ham and Crystal Palace have shown an interest in the player this month.

Wolves are also willing to let defender Emmanuel Agbadou leave Molineux and are in talks with Besiktas.

The Turkish side's latest offer is £13m, with Wolves looking for £17m for the Ivory Coast international who joined from Reims for £16.6m last January.

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Sunderland at London Stadium (kick-off 12:30 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Nuno said they will "assess" new signing Keiber Lamadrid but feels he is "not really ready" to come into the squad with his last competitive fixture in December.

• The West Ham boss also confirmed that Lucas Paqueta's situation is "the same as last week" and he will not be included for this match, however, he hopes the club and player can "find a solution".

• On Callum Wilson's future, after the striker scored the winner against Tottenham last weekend: "Callum give us the winning goal in a match we consider so important and special for fans. It was beautiful to see, and happy to take those three points. Callum is an option, we know what he can give us, he is working and available so is an important player."

• However, he added: "You never know what can happen. Meanwhile, the window is open, so many surprises can happen. Players that are here in the building, we are counting on them."

• Nuno would not be drawn into questions about whether the club are in discussions with fellow relegation battlers Burnley over a possible transfer for James Ward-Prowse, stating "rumours are noise, rumours are things not for us to address" and added: "Me and James have had conversations and it has been clear. He is here today, working, and tomorrow will be the same. I don't waste time on rumours and speculation."

• While West Ham's hierarchy also look for players for the long-term, Nuno said his "focus is now" and the club "know the profiles we need - we need to rebalance the squad".

• On comments around wanting even more from players like Crysencio Summerville: "More consistency. More. Instead of one or two goals - more. Instead of one or two assists - more. We want that because the talent is there. We try to give to our players that they can do more. We are pushing them because we need more, and more and more."

Image source, Getty Images

West Ham United have completed the loan signing of Venezuela winger Keiber Lamadrid for the remainder of the season.

The 22-year-old joins from Deportivo La Guaira in his homeland, and the Hammers have the option to make the move permanent in the summer.

Keiber has made 103 appearances for the Venezuelan Super Cup holders - whose season ended in early December.

He will work on physical conditioning with West Ham's medical team to get up to match fitness.

"It's an incredible opportunity to be here at this beautiful Club," Keiber told club media.

"I thank God first of all, and all the people who helped me get here. I also thank my family, who always supported me. For me, it's a dream to be here.

"I'm excited to grow as a person, as a player, and I want to do well at this club. I want to adapt as quickly as possible, to continue growing as a player and open doors again for Venezuelan football. Nothing is impossible."

Matthew Hobbs
BBC Sport journalist

From the Premier League's elite to the soggy pitches of Sunday league, injuries are part and parcel of football - but which top-flight teams have been worst affected so far this season?

With help from injury expert Ben Dinnery, of premierinjuries.com,, external BBC Sport has examined which sides have been hit the hardest, the impact injuries can have on under-fire managers - and whether things are always as bad as they seem.

• Read more detail on how clubs have been affected by injuries here

Liverpool generated more revenue than any other English club during the 2024-25 season, according to the annual Deloitte Money League survey.

In the survey's 29th season, the Reds brought in more than 836m euros (£729.5m). The figure moved the Reds from eighth in 2023-24 to fifth overall, while Manchester City dropped from second to sixth.

Manchester United dropped from fourth to eighth with the club's broadcast revenue falling from €258m (£225m) to €206m (£180m) largely due to a lack of Champions League football.

Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea each occupy the exact same positions in the Money League as last season, while Aston Villa moved up four spots. Newcastle and West Ham remain in the top 20, despite both dropping in position.

• Read more on the study

Across the study, clubs cumulatively reported record revenues of €12.4bn, an increase of 11% on 2023-24.

A major feature of the study points to clubs generating most of their revenue commercially, with about 43% of income coming from this source. Broadcast revenue and matchday income continue to take up smaller pieces of the revenue pie.

Tim Bridge, lead partner in the Deloitte Sports Business Group, said: "This year's Money League showcases the evolving commercial landscape of elite football, with clubs continuing to take greater ownership of their revenue-generating capabilities. It is no coincidence that the clubs in the top half of the ranking are those with the ability to focus on commercial revenue development, particularly as domestic broadcast rights plateau.

"There is a pivotal shift in some club business models with an increased focus on maximising the impact of their brand and their stadium assets. The presence of on-site breweries, hotels and restaurants is now commonplace and illustrates a strategic move to diversify income and create year-round entertainment destinations. This innovative approach is broadening revenue streams significantly, allowing clubs to unlock opportunities far beyond the traditional matchday experience in a drive to secure more sustainable financial futures."

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on West Ham's U-turn on the departure of Callum Wilson, with the striker now set to stay.

Here are some of your comments:

Adrian: Wise decision. We have two new strikers without Premier League experience - both showing early promise but having an experienced pro like Callum Wilson around can only help their transition. Plus, as he showed, he can a devastating impact sub. Little downside on financial regs either. No brainer for me.

John: He is a goalscorer, and we need goals - why has he not played more ???

David: Like it or not, Callum Wilson's goalscoring stats are the best at the club this season. He's more dangerous than anyone else in the current West Ham team. Check his figures against Bowen, or anyone else. We need goals and he is our best option. We are not going to attract anyone else to this dog fight. He needs to either play or be an option off the bench. He's got Premier League experience and I would favour that over anything else right now. We are in a mess and need to get points. We need goals. It's what he does!

Ray: Wilson has the right attitude to help us survive this season and will give his all until the end. Better the player you know!

Chris: Common sense has prevailed. You can't buy that experience.

Steve: It would be utter lunacy to let Wilson go! But then again, this is West Ham we are talking about! Give him a new 'improved' contract!

Rob: I was sceptical about Wilson's signing in the first instance, given his age, but he has rewarded our club with some dynamic football when he has been playing, so I'm glad he's been asked to stay until the end of the season.

West Ham fan Holly Turbutt believes the Hammers should not be looking to offload any players until the end of the season.

Lucas Paqueta and Callum Wilson have been linked with moves away this month but Turbutt says she hopes the club's hierarchy will be concentrating on incoming signings.

Find more from Holly Turbutt at West Ham Network, external

Flamengo remain interested in signing midfielder Lucas Paqueta from West Ham United, although it is understood there has been no contact between the clubs since last week about a deal for the 28-year-old Brazil international. (Sky Sports), external

West Ham and Aston Villa midfield target Quinten Timber was left out of the starting line-up for Feyenoord on Sunday. Marseille have already made an offer for the 24-year-old Dutchman's services. (Mail), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

West Ham have blocked plans for striker Callum Wilson to leave the club this month after putting talks over his contract termination on hold - and we want your views.

The move comes after Wilson's dramatic late winner in Saturday's London derby at Tottenham, and with the Hammers short of goals as they battle to stay in the Premier League.

So do you agree with the club's U-turn on Wilson? And with the transfer window still open, where do the Hammers still need to strengthen, or is the priority now getting the best out of the players already at the club?

Have your say here

We asked for your views on Saturday's Premier League game between Tottenham and West Ham.

Here are some of your comments:

Bryn: We looked like a completely different side in the first half - the best I have seen them play for a long while. If we can play like that for the rest of the season I will be very happy. The whole team put in a brilliant performance and it felt good to win a game at last. Surely we have to keep Callum Wilson as he will always get a goal and be a threat coming off the bench.

Mick: Second half was ugly, but ugly will have to do just now. They were absolutely on it for the first 45 and would have deservedly led 3-0 if they had taken their chances. The fight and togetherness was good to see. Jean-Clair Todibo was our best player and that's saying something! But Nuno Espirito Santo needs to make changes sooner as players start to struggle. Pablo Felipe isn't fit enough yet it seems to me.

Eugene: We were so good in the first half. Should have been 3-0 up. I can't remember the last time we played with a front two. Second half, we started to sit back and defend. Not our best tactic as we just cannot defend. Masterstroke to bring on Wilson on 88 minutes. Overall, we deserved the win.

Richard: For almost all the games this season I wondered where my West Ham were, but they cleared my head of such thoughts with terrific football in the first half, then solid commitment from the team for nearly all of the second half. Then the bonus of the second goal - and it was away to Spurs!

West Ham and Bournemouth are interested in Real Betis' Spanish winger Pablo Garcia, 19, and are prepared to pay his £26m buyout clause. (Fichajes - in Spanish), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

West Ham midfielder Andy Irving has joined Sparta Prague for an undisclosed fee.

The 25-year-old, who signed for the Hammers in the summer of 2023, made 18 appearances for the club, including seven in the Premier League this season.

A West Ham statement said: "Everyone would like to thank Andy for his hard work, commitment and professionalism, and wish him and his family all the best for the future."

Chris Wise
Final Score reporter at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Image source, Getty Images

The first half performance against Tottenham was probably the best 45 minutes that West Ham have produced under Nuno Espirito Santo.

Notwithstanding how poor Spurs were, the Hammers attacked with regularity and carried a real threat. And there was defensive solidity on display too, which certainly hasn't been a hallmark of their season.

It was quite telling that Crysencio Summerville made a beeline for his head coach after scoring the opening goal. There was an huge embrace between the winger and Nuno, the sort of hug that speaks volumes in times of high pressure.

Summerville in particular was excellent in the first-half. His willingness to be direct gave Spurs' defence something to think about.

It was quite striking how much more dangerous West Ham looked going forward compared to their London rivals in the first 45 minutes.

The only blemish for West Ham is they didn't make up as much ground on those ahead of them in the table as they'd believed they might following Leeds' win and Nottingham Forest's gutsy draw with Arsenal.

While many have already written West Ham off, this was hard evidence that the belief is still active in east London.

Pundits Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney join host Mark Chapman to bring you the action and talking points from Saturday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Chelsea 2-0 Brentford

• Tottenham 1-2 West Ham

• Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal

Image source, Getty Images

The importance of West Ham's win is illustrated by the grim statistic that they had been winless in their previous 10 Premier League games, drawing four and losing six.

Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo was impassive for the most part, but he must have been overjoyed after a win that was priceless on a personal level and also for his team.

West Ham would have been full value for a point after a first-half display in which they scored one and threatened more, along with a performance that was full of the battling qualities they have so often lacked this season.

Summerville was a constant threat, while Wilson showed his poacher's knack for a goal when he pounced at a corner with Spurs keeper Guglielmo Vicario found wanting again, his predictable complaints after the goal rightly ignored.

West Ham's task now is to build on a triumph that was celebrated wildly by their travelling followers after losing all six of their Premier League London derbies this season.

This tasted sweet - but of far more significance than that, it keeps them within striking distance of the league positions that would secure safety.

West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo speaking to BBC Match of the Day after the 2-1 win over Tottenham: "It means a lot for our fans, who were there cheering for us. It's special to do it in the last moments of the game, because we have been on the other side of that many times this season.

"We stared really well. The way we were organised, not allowing Spurs to go easy, always trying to press and recover.

"When we had the ball we had good chances and combinations. First half we played really good football.

"We believe [we can escape relegation]. We have to worry about ourselves, work harder and commit more. I'm really proud of the way the players have been dealing with this situation. It's a tough one, but they are determined to turn it around."

On whether Wilson will still be at the club by the end of the month: "We are still in the market to bring players and rebalance the squad. Every player that is in the building I give them the day off tomorrow. We count on them and support them. They need to help us."

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Tottenham's performance

What did you make of West Ham's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Thomas Frank makes three changes to the Tottenham side that lost 2-1 to Aston Villa in the FA Cup last weekend.

Conor Gallagher starts in midfield after completing his £35 million move from Atletico Madrid earlier this week, replacing Joao Palhinha.

Cristian Romero returns from suspension to start in defence, while Randal Kolo Muani starts in attack in place of the injured Richarlison.

Lucas Bergvall, Yves Bissouma, Destiny Udogie and Dominic Solanke return and are available off the bench.

Tottenham XI: Vicario, Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Davies, Gray, Gallagher, Simons, Odobert, Tel, Kolo Muani.

Subs: Kinsky, Dragusin, Danso, Bissouma, Udogie, Bergvall, Solanke, Spence, Scarlett.

There are five changes for West Ham after their draining 2-1 win against Queens Park Rangers in the FA Cup.

Alphonse Areola, Ollie Scarles, Tomas Soucek, Mateus Fernandes and Pablo all come in.

West Ham XI: Areola, Todibo, Mavropanos, Wan-Bissaka, Scarles, Soucek, Fernandes, Summerville, Castellanos, Bowen, Pablo.

Subs: Hermansen, Walker-Peters, Kilman, Julio, Wilson, Rodriguez, Potts, Kante, Mayers.

There are seven games in the Premier League on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Man Utd v Man City (12:30)

• Chelsea v Brentford - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Leeds v Fulham

• Liverpool v Burnley

• Sunderland v Crystal Palace

• Tottenham v West Ham - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Nottingham Forest v Arsenal (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-off times 15:00 GMT unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Chelsea v Brentford" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Nottingham Forest v Arsenal", for instance.

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

Tottenham's home form is miserable, with two wins in 10 league games, and there is so much angst among their fans at the moment.

Similarly, West Ham's players are probably better off away from home right now because of the animosity from their supporters inside their own stadium, but their away record is just as atrocious with only one win in 10.

This is one of those games where I like to wheel out one of my favourite sayings in football - these two teams have been so bad recently that they both could lose.

It's certainly hard to make a case for either of them to win it. I am going to go with Spurs, because new signing Conor Gallagher has plenty of energy and will add some thrust and drive to their midfield.

But it's a lot easier to predict that it will be a dismal game, with Tottenham booed off after a bang-average performance that means Thomas Frank is still under pressure despite winning.

As for Hammers boss Nuno Espirito Santo, he is just going to be in even greater danger of getting the sack.

Sutton's prediction: 1-0

Read the full predictions and have your say

Noel Sliney
BBC Sport senior journalist

Third-bottom West Ham make the short journey to Spurs, who have lost 15 of their past 28 domestic home games in all competitions and only won 25% of those fixtures.

This will be West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo's third successive league match against a side he has previously managed, following defeats by Wolves and Nottingham Forest.

Spurs backed into a corner

Thomas Frank talked Conor Gallagher into choosing Spurs over Aston Villa this week but for many of the Lilywhites' supporters it's deeds that matter, not words.

A chorus of boos – aimed at both Frank and the players – have provided the soundtrack to a troubled time. Tottenham have won just two of their past 12 league games to sit 14th, and are out of both domestic cups.

The arrival of industrious midfielder Gallagher is unlikely to remedy the team's well-documented lack of attacking creativity. That has led to them being reliant on corners as a source of goals, scoring 11 times from such situations. It's the joint-highest tally in the division and, at 36.7%, by far the biggest percentage of any team's overall tally.

Spurs will doubtless be targeting West Ham's defensive frailties from set-pieces; they have conceded a league-high 12 goals from corners this season.

Hammers in need of London pride

West Ham enjoyed a first victory in 64 days last weekend, beating QPR in the FA Cup third round thanks to a first goal for the club from £26m new signing Valentin 'Taty' Castellanos.

Nonetheless, a 10-match winless run in the league has yielded just four points and left them seven points from safety. It is their longest wait for a top-flight triumph since 2006-07, when they lost 4-3 to Spurs at the end of an 11-game streak. The Hammers are also yet to keep a clean sheet in 17 matches since Nuno's arrival in September.

Nuno praised his side's "fight and desire" last weekend but their dismal recent record in Premier League derbies suggests they have not shown those qualities often enough.

West Ham have lost all six of their Premier League fixtures against London opposition this season. Only two sides in top-flight history have endured longer runs; QPR's seven straight defeats in 1995-96 and a 13-match losing run for Fulham from August 2018 to November 2020.