Premier League team guide: West Ham in the spotlight

West Ham's famous Europa Conference League triumph has been followed by a summer of change and uncertainty in East London.

Skipper Declan Rice set sail for Arsenal, while rumours persist over the future of boss David Moyes amid reports of disharmony between the Scot and his employers.

Having finished only six points clear of Premier League relegation last term, the Hammers must manage a busy schedule more efficiently if they are to enjoy a stress-free campaign this time around.

Last season: 14th

West Ham fans will cherish the memories of 2022-23 having watched their side lift a European trophy for the first time in 58 years.

But while their Conference League exploits captured the hearts of so many, their Premier League efforts almost ended in disaster.

At the halfway point last term, Moyes' men sat only three points clear of rock-bottom Southampton and only secured mathematical safety on the penultimate weekend. 

A lack of a reliable goalscorer was a fundamental issue, with Jarrod Bowen and Said Benrahma topping the charts with six top-flight strikes apiece.

The rigours of additional fixtures clearly took their toll on a small squad and a pending Europa League campaign means that could be a recurring issue.

New faces

Tensions have been bubbling behind the scenes during a frustrating summer at the London Stadium.

After the inevitable departure of Rice, securing reinforcements has proved hugely challenging and Moyes' frustration was reported to have left the 60-year-old close to the exit door.

However, the £35.4million capture of Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez two days prior to the Hammers' season-opening clash with Bournemouth may just prompt a flurry of activity.

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire and Southampton ace James Ward-Prowse are both heavily linked, while additions to the frontline look imminent after Gianluca Scamacca's return to Italy.

One to watch: Divin Mubama

Irons fans are understandably excited about the future after their Under-18s lifted last season's FA Youth Cup.

One prospect who looks ready to make an impact on first-team affairs is energetic centre forward Divin Mubama.

The Londoner, 18, featured six times in 2022-23 and bagged his first senior goal in a 4-0 Conference League win over AEK Larnaca in March.

An impressive haul of 30 goals in 47 Under-18 Premier League appearances has prompted Moyes to take a closer look and Mubama has subsequently notched in three pre-season games. 

Last month, Moyes said: "Divin makes us a completely different side with his running, his pressure and the work he does off the ball for the team."

The boss: David Moyes

Had Moyes not lifted European silverware two months ago, he may well have lost his job.

Portions of the Hammers fanbase had grown frustrated with his cautious tactics and a Moyes Out banner was even hoisted during a 1-0 win at Fulham in April.

Yet as is often the case in football, results have — for now — papered over the cracks and the Scot will at least have the chance to win over any disillusioned supporters again.

He has one year left on his current deal and chairman David Sullivan is supposedly keen for Moyes to leave on his own terms after last term's achievements.

However, a slow start could see his position under huge threat.