'A worry for Mr Sullivan' - Alan Pardew gives Nuno Espito Santo verdict and makes West Ham transfer prediction

Former West Ham boss Alan Pardew expressed concern for Nuno Espirito Santo ahead of their crunch match against Brighton at the London Stadium.

The Hammers are third from bottom and on a terrible run of form under the Portuguese manager. Defeat against the Seagulls tonight would leave them in serious danger of relegation. Pardew though also questioned Nuno’s tactics and feels it’s not the best fit with West Ham fans.

Pardew speaking on Sky Sports said: ”The problem you've got at West Ham, of course, particularly with the West Ham public, is they want the pitch open.

“They want to see some flair. They want to see it open up and the game going from end to end.

“His style, the way he is, has kind of put West Ham fans on the back foot a little bit.

“The stadium is negative. It's a problem. So, I'd like to see him free it up a little bit tonight [against Brighton].

“Let them give a little bit, particularly [Jarrod] Bowen, obviously, on one side.

He might have Somerville on the other side. Let them have a little go at this Brighton team.

“I actually fancy West Ham to win this tonight, but if they lose, they're in terrible trouble.”

Nottingham Forest and Leeds improving

Pardew also feels the improvement from the likes of Nottingham Forest and Leeds adds to West Ham’s problems.

“They're going to find it very, very difficult. And when you look at the teams above, Forest look strong again. Leeds are looking strong. OK, Bournemouth might be something that they can look at, but it's really looking dangerous for West Ham.

West Ham have struggled defensively this term but scoring has also been an issue and something they may look to address in the transfer window.

“Talking about the different managers that they've had and the different kind of squad they've got for the players to come in. What style you want, etc.

“ I think that has got lost a little bit.

“From my experience with that football club, you're never picking from the top of the tree because you haven't got the finance to do that.

“So, there is a little bit, you're like hit and miss, you know, but they've had more miss than hit. And I think that's a worry for Mr Sullivan and his team.

“That they've not had enough real successes in the transfer market.”

Pardew: West Ham need a defender

Asked what area of the team he thinks they should strengthen this January. Pardew added: “I've definitely looked at the back. I think they need a defender, for sure, because I think they're loose.

“And at the top of the pitch, they need, you know, they need someone of quality on the other side, or in that number 10 role, to really kind of kick them on.

“Whether they do some business is what we're going to wait and see.

“I certainly hope, with a little bit of West Ham in my heart, that they do a bit of business.”