Nuno’s Back-Three Gamble: West Ham’s Brentford Plan Unpacked

New boss, new ideas. Nuno Espirito Santo has wasted no time putting his stamp on West Ham, and the international break has given him the breathing space to experiment. After a sturdy point at Everton and a 2-0 setback at Arsenal, the Portuguese coach took a look at a back-three system in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Ipswich Town on Thursday. The big question now: does he roll it out against Brentford?

Why the switch now?

Nuno’s first two matches came too thick and fast to rip up the script, hence the early use of a 4-2-3-1. But this pause in the calendar is where managers earn their money. The trial against Ipswich brought wing-backs back into the conversation—something Hammers fans have seen at times this season under Graham Potter before his exit. It’s a horses-for-courses move that could add an extra layer of security out of possession and a bit more thrust down the flanks.

The Ipswich audition

Reports indicate West Ham lined up with three centre-halves and bona fide wing-backs in that workout. The word is Nuno is seriously considering sticking with the shape for Brentford—and potentially for Leeds and Newcastle to follow. It’s a pragmatic tweak, not a revolution, and it fits the squad’s muscle memory given Potter’s earlier flirtations with a similar system.

What it means for the defence

Konstantinos Mavropanos has featured in both of Nuno’s opening fixtures, and the shift to a trio at the back would demand another body steps in. That shines the spotlight on Jean-Clair Todibo or Igor Julio—both light on minutes so far this campaign. A back three can protect legs, tidy up transitions and give ball-players cleaner angles; but it also demands concentration and aggression in the wide channels.

Brentford test: stick or twist?

Brentford are an honest, well-drilled outfit who ask questions with their athleticism, set-piece smarts and quick counters. A back three can help West Ham manage those wide overloads and second balls, while letting the wing-backs get out and meet pressure early. If Nuno wants an extra centre-back to own the box and free the full-backs to climb the pitch, this is the game to trial it in anger.

Early days, clear intent

A point at an unbeaten-at-home Everton was respectable, defeat at the Emirates no disgrace. The real work begins now. The Ipswich run-out was less about the result and more about making the pieces fit. If the wing-backs offer width and the outside centre-halves step in bravely, West Ham can gain territory without losing their shape—exactly the sort of balance Nuno has built his reputation on.

The wider picture

There’s no need for panic or dogma. Nuno’s job is to find the blend that gets this group moving up the table. A back three today doesn’t mean a back three forever; but with Brentford next and two more meaty fixtures in Leeds and Newcastle to follow, there’s logic in going sturdier, then layering on the attacking patterns as time on the grass accumulates.

For supporters—and the odd punter weighing up the form—our hub of best betting sites is a handy touchpoint. But on the grass, the call is Nuno’s. If Thursday’s tune-up is anything to go by, expect wing-backs, a tighter back door, and the Hammers looking that bit more streetwise when Brentford roll into town.