Alan Pardew shares verdict on West Ham promotion chances amid “best team” claim

Former West Ham United manager Alan Pardew stated that the club is technically "probably the best team" in the Championship this season. Speaking to GiveMeSport, Pardew questioned whether head coach Nuno Espirito Santo's squad has the fight, desire, and physicality needed to navigate the league's grueling schedule. Following relegation from the Premier League, West Ham currently sit in second place after eight games, most recently drawing 2-2 with Millwall.

Over the summer, the London club rebuilt its squad after selling key players like Crysencio Summerville and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. West Ham signed Arne Engels, Joel Piroe, and Manor Solomon, while successfully keeping club captain Jarrod Bowen. The72 writer Harry Mail argues that the Hammers possess sufficient depth and quality across the pitch to achieve automatic promotion back to the top flight at the first attempt.