Why Nuno Espirito Santo has West Ham hurdle to overcome amid worrying international break trend
Nuno Espirito Santo has a concerning West Ham trend behind him when they host QPR.
The international break has handed the Portuguese manager a chance to get to work closer with those not selected by their nations.
However, with it being an extended set of national team fixtures, we are yet to see the impact that may have on the Hammers' momentum.
This break has perhaps come at the worst possible time for Nuno, who had just begun getting things to click.
After starting the season with zero wins from three games, the E20 outfit have pushed into second place.
But worries at West Ham will begin seeping through when domestic football returns, as history shows.
What is West Ham's record after international breaks?
West Ham are historically slow starters following an international break, and with their game against QPR on Friday, there will be many with less time to reintegrate back into the fold.
For instance, Edvin Austbo has a fixture for Norway under-21s on Tuesday, 6 October against Israel, although others such as Konstantinos Mavropanos will have more time to return.
So, there will have to be a quick turnaround, and West Ham need to bounce back strongly.
Over the last five international breaks, that is something they have routinely failed to do.
While Nuno may not have been manager for three of these breaks, it is a worrying trend that has been building.
The Irons have seen themselves lose three and draw two over those five matches.
Although one was also an FA Cup exit to Leeds United on penalties as well, effectively a defeat too.
Should West Ham be worried about QPR?
When it comes to these sorts of stats, opposition also matters when dissecting them.
Unfortunately, for the E20 outfit, their fellow London rivals have not been slouches this season.
The Hoops are currently sitting just two points behind Nuno's side, and can leapfrog them with a win on Friday night.
So with QPR's form and this record emerging, the Hammers' return to domestic football is looking like quite the hurdle for the manager to overcome.
But he will be confident in his ability to do so.