Now six games into the new Premier League campaign, fans here at The Transfer Tavern are beginning to get an idea of exactly what their team is about.
For fans of the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham, things are looking good.
If you’re a West Ham United fan, as many of our patrons are, then worrying times could be on the horizon.
Slaven Bilic’s men have looked poor thus far, and defeat to fierce rivals Tottenham at the London Stadium on Saturday was a huge blow to loyal Hammers fans.
Regulars around the pool table, our landlord joined fans for a game and a pint, chatting about the east London club’s dismal start to the new campaign.
The squad has failed to impress thus far, and when asked who they feel should be moved on in January, three names continued to crop up…
Diafra Sakho
The Senegalese striker quickly became a fan favourite at the club following his move from Metz in 2014, but out of the team and out of favour, it is time for the player to move on.
Having made five disappointing substitute appearances in the league so far, it appears Sakho’s time in east London is quickly coming to an end, and a January move seems very likely.
The 27-year-old can still make an impact at the club, but there is no point allowing the player to rot on the bench, and if Bilic refuses to utilise him, he may as well be moved off the wage bill to make room for new faces.
Marko Arnautovic
A near £24 million summer signing from Stoke City, Mark Hughes will be rubbing his hands with glee that he managed to secure such a large fee for the Austrian.
The winger has been terrible since making the move to London, with the biggest impact made so far a red card for elbowing Southampton’s Jack Stephens in the Hammers 3-2 loss to the Saints at St Mary’s.
It looks unlikely Arnautovic will come good, and Bilic may just have to take a hit on the temperamental forward.
Whether or not another manager is brave enough to take a punt on the player however, remains to be seen.
Domingos Quina
A regular in the reserves, the consensus amongst fans is that the youngster needs a loan deal away from the club in order to fulfil his potential.
A summer switch to Sheffield United nearly materialised but fell through at the last minute, and the 17-year-old from Guinea-Bissau may attempt to negotiate another deal in January.
Reserve team football is no comparison to regular first team action, and a switch to either the second or third tier would do the player the world of good.
Massively talented with huge potential, Quina’s move in January could be the start of a special career.
West Ham will surely begin to pick up results before the winter window, but changes will need to be made by Bilic if he is to continue in the role until next summer.
Sakho has to go, Quina needs a loan move, but getting Arnautovic off the books will be a challenge, and would represent seriously admitting a mistake in signing the unpredictable player.
West Ham fans, who else would you like to see leave in January? Have your say below…
