Brentford is set to face West Ham in a crucial Premier League match. Sam Tabuteau provides insights on West Ham's tactics and key players to watch.
Key points
Brentford faces West Ham in a key Premier League match.
Sam Tabuteau provides tactical insights on West Ham.
West Ham is currently 17th in the Premier League.
The match is critical for both teams' season outcomes.
Mentioned in this story
Nuno Espírito SantoSam Tabuteau
BrentfordWest Ham
Brentford v West Ham: Opposition insight from Standard Sport’s Sam Tabuteau
Brentford v West Ham: Opposition insight from Standard Sport’s Sam Tabuteau
As Brentford prepare for their penultimate home game of the Premier League season, we spoke with Sam Tabuteau of Standard Sport to get the inside track on opponents West Ham United.
Tabuteau breaks down the tactical approach instilled by Hammers head coach Nuno Espírito Santo, highlights the key players Keith Andrews’ men should be wary of, and assesses how the visitors might approach Saturday’s contest at Gtech Community Stadium.
West Ham are 17th in the Premier League, two points ahead of Tottenham Hotspur who currently occupy the final place in the relegation zone. How the last few months have panned out for them?
It has been really promising. Given where West Ham were before, I think they can be relatively pleased
Maybe it is a sign of the improvement they have shown under Nuno Espírito Santo that the draw against Crystal Palace recently was a disappointing result and, ultimately, a missed chance for them.
Tottenham are still within touching distance and, within that relegation race, it is looking as though it is going to boil down to those two teams.
What is the mood like around the club?
I think the mood is positive. There is still going to be a lot of anxiety, but relegation has been on the mind of West Ham supporters, those at the club and the players for the whole season.
It is not as though it has crept on them or taken them by surprise, so they have been able to take it in their stride and now it is about putting points on the board.
Q&A
What tactical approach does West Ham's coach Nuno Espírito Santo use?
Nuno Espírito Santo employs a tactical approach focused on defensive organization and quick transitions.
Who are the key players Brentford should be wary of in the West Ham match?
Brentford should pay close attention to West Ham's standout players, as highlighted by Sam Tabuteau.
What is West Ham's current position in the Premier League standings?
West Ham is currently 17th in the Premier League, just two points above the relegation zone.
How important is the upcoming match for Brentford and West Ham?
The match is crucial for both teams, with Brentford aiming for a strong finish and West Ham fighting to avoid relegation.
Related Articles
Sports
Red Sox Promoting Nate Eaton Leaves Major Question Unanswered
Red Sox are promoting Nate Eaton, but who will be removed from the roster?
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports·Feature
Commonwealth Games unveils 'inclusive' medals inspired by Glasgow
The Commonwealth Games in Glasgow will feature inclusive medals designed by Militsa Milenkova, incorporating braille and tactile elements. A total of 215 gold medals will be awarded across 10 sports and six Para sports from July 23 to August 2.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
Jake Paul doubts Dana White feels threatened by MVP MMA: 'He's checked out'
Jake Paul believes Dana White isn't threatened by MVP MMA's debut.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
Presunto acoso en las secciones inferiores del Torrelavega: insultos homófobos, machistas y gordófobos
Familiares denuncian acoso en el Torrelavega con insultos homófobos y machistas.
Marca··1 min read
Sports
Metro Detroit high school lacrosse notebook: Grosse Pointe South girls off to hot start
Grosse Pointe South girls lacrosse team boasts a strong 12-4 record and top 10 ranking!
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
NFL·Feature
Heath Miller talks favorite Steelers memories, NFL Draft in Pittsburgh
Heath Miller shares favorite Steelers memories and discusses NFL Draft in Pittsburgh.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
The home form has really picked up in 2026 and the Hammers are currently six unbeaten at London Stadium. Do you think that could play into their hands in the battle to stay up?
It absolutely could - but, if this was six months ago, I would have said the complete opposite! There was a mutinous atmosphere at London Stadium.
Granted, fan protests are still going on, but those protests and that animosity towards the board was certainly seeping into the stadium and having an impact on the atmosphere.
Now, though, their home form has really picked up and, when I saw them against Wolves last month, there was a really unified atmosphere and that spurred them on. They did not start well, but got the first goal and the atmosphere changed, then they scored another three and won 4-0.
That is a sign of the development they have shown under Nuno and his ability to bring everyone together. While there are a lot of bigger issues at play, he has been quite good at being able to focus on the here and now to ensure they give themselves a fighting chance of staying up.
Which player should Brentford keep an eye out for on Saturday?
They are an interesting duo because they do not score a ton of goals, but you can tell they are working incredibly hard for the team and you can see the impact they have had.
They have helped what was a really lifeless attack build more cohesion and give it a focal point, which Bowen and Summerville have been able to play off.
They came in in January and their additions have been really important for West Ham’s resurgence.
What should Keith Andrews’ side expect in terms of shape and style?
It is a very counter-attacking style, in the mould of Nuno’s previous teams. It will be four at the back, but it can also shift to a five.
They look to get the ball out to the wingers and just attack space. Something brought a lot of success against Wolves, for example, was the timing of their press and picking off teams in possession.
Bowen and Summerville are really key to that and they time their pressures really well to win the ball high up and create quick turnovers.
'It is a very counter-attacking style, in the mould of Nuno’s previous teams. They look to get the ball out to the wingers and just attack space'
What’s your score prediction?
Brentford have struggled to take the onus of a really strong league position, so I am going to go with a 1-0 West Ham win here.
They do not tend to win pretty, but they have got so much riding on this.
