West Ham United are in a major slump, there is no doubt about it. David Moyes’ side have won just four times in the Premier League this season and are a far cry from replicating their excellent run last year where they finished in 7th position.
Since returning from the World Cup hiatus, West Ham have lost to Arsenal and Brentford while drawing with Leeds United and if they maintain this current league form over the next couple of months, they could find themselves fighting to retain their Premier League status.
The Hammers take on Brentford in the FA Cup this evening just eight days after their 2-0 defeat and Moyes will be aiming to take revenge and the tournament could provide relief from their poor league form.
Against Leeds, there were a couple of standout performers, with Gianluca Scamacca and Lucas Paqueta getting on the scoresheet, yet it is the Brazilian star who must be let loose against the Bees today.
On the Chalkboard
Paqueta endured a tough start to life at West Ham, registering just three assists across all competitions before the World Cup, however, having impressed at the tournament for Brazil, looks ready to kick on and become an integral part of the squad as they look to find some form.
The £150k-per-week attacking midfielder put in arguably his best performance at the club so far against Leeds in midweek, averaging a 7.5/10 rating on Sofascore, which was the second highest on the pitch.
The 25-year-old scored his first goal for the club while making one key pass and having a further four shots during his 80-minute spell on the pitch.
He also contributed defensively too, winning 50% of his duels while making three tackles, one interception, and one clearance, proving that he can be an asset across all areas of the pitch.
Against Brentford last week, Paqueta made three key passes and took 86 touches throughout the tie despite West Ham losing, but there is no reason why he can’t dominate in the midfield again.
The Brazilian was dubbed a “warrior and wizard” by Squawka last year and he can certainly display those qualities in the FA Cup tonight as West Ham aims to forge a patch into the next round.
