Nuno Espirito Santo has urged fans to back the team ahead of planned protests, as West Ham United hosts Brentford in a crucial Premier League London derby. 

The Hammers, 19th in the table, are searching for their first win in four games. A victory would see them draw level on seven points with Brentford, which come into the match in 16th place after a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in its previous outing.

The Hammers' 2-0 loss to Arsenal last time out extended their winless run to four matches, during which they have lost three times and scored only twice.

New boss Nuno is yet to oversee a game in the Irons' dugout as the home manager, with his opening two games away at Everton and Arsenal, respectively.

West Ham's form at London Stadium has also been poor this term, the Hammers losing all three of their matches in front of their own supporters and conceding 10 goals in total.

"We haven't changed anything specific, just implementing routines," Nuno said. "For me, it's hard to analyse what's happened before. We want to improve, and we know the home form factor is important.

"I wish all our fans will join us and support us. It's up to us to give back to the fans so they can grow close to us, make them support us and help us so we can change everything and become a fortress."

Brentford, meanwhile, should not be overly discouraged by its defeat to Pep Guardiola's side, where it was undone by Erling Haaland's brilliance, as it was otherwise competitive against the title hopeful. 

Manager Keith Andrews will note that his side is just three points behind its tally at the same stage last season and a win would match its total after eight games in 2024-2025.

The Bees have conceded nine goals in the current campaign, slightly better than the 13 they allowed in the first seven games under Thomas Frank last term, though their scoring — nine goals — is three fewer than last season.

"Every facet of the game we can improve on. How connected we are as a team without the ball, how we press, communication, a lot of relationships - I speak about that a lot. It is a new team," Andrews said.

"It just takes a bit of time. Whatever facet it is, I know we can, and will, improve. But because of the nature of the business we want it to be sooner rather than later."