West Ham vs West Brom: David Moyes making an impact with the Hammers

The Hammers have only lost one of their last five games, and more worryingly for Albion, have scored eight in the last three matches.

They have also had a whole week to prepare for this particular fixture, but with Tottenham coming up two days later and then an FA Cup third-round tie at the weekend, the team is aware of the congested fixture list.

“They are all very important games for the club,” said Javier Hernandez. “First, we play West Brom and we are fighting for our lives so we want to get the three points.

“Then, we have a derby match — and it’s a nice one, with Tottenham.

“The last time we went to Wembley, we were very happy with the result in the League Cup, coming back from 2-0 down to win 3-2, so we have good memories of playing against Spurs there.

“Then the week ends with the FA Cup, which is a competition I’d love to win.”

Hernandez hasn’t started a game since the beginning of November.

He was laid low by injury and then Marko Arnautovic’s efforts in front of goal stopped him from getting back in the side.

But the former Manchester United striker has pedigree behind him, and he’s ready to strike during this busy festive period.

“I am very happy and glad to be back,” he said. “If you ask all footballers, they will tell you they don’t want to be on the bench.

“They all want to play and I’m trying to prove I want to be involved with more minutes, with more starts, and then we’ll see what happens.

“I’m always going to give everything for the team, whenever I am on the pitch.

“I love football and I want to be as professional as I can, on and off the pitch, if I am given one minute or 90 minutes, and I will try to do my best.”

But Moyes has managed to get a tune out of Arnatovic, the sulky Austrian who never hit it off with Slaven Bilic, but has certainly found a fan in his new manager.

His five goals in the last five games have helped West Ham find some form, but thanks to other teams in the bottom half enjoying their own resurgence, the hosts start the year in the bottom three.

If they lose to Albion, the Baggies will leapfrog them in the table.

West Ham may have had more time to prepare for this fixture, but Mark Noble and Michail Antonio are struggling to be fit for the game.

Captain Noble is battling to shake off a hamstring injury and winger Antonio has yet to resume training after a groin problem.

Reece Oxford is back from a loan spell at Borussia Monchengladbach, but Sam Byram (hamstring), Jose Fonte and Edimilson Fernandes (both ankle) are still out.