Betting: David Moyes takes over at West Ham United following the sacking of Slaven Bilic

David Moyes has officially replaced Slaven Bilic as West Ham United manager.

The Croat was fired by the Hammers on Monday following a 4-1 drubbing by Liverpool at the London Stadium, marking the end of his two-and-a-half year stay in the capital.

The West Ham board acted quickly and announced Moyes just a day later, giving the Scotsman his first return to management since he resigned following Sunderland’s relegation to the Championship in May.

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With just two wins to their name this season, the former Everton manager has a challenge on his hands if he is to rescue his new side from relegation as the East Londoners sit 18th in the Premier League table, and are currently 9/4 (3.25) with dabblebet to go down.

West Ham are just five points above Crystal Palace, who sit in 20th place with a mere four points to their name, and are available at 9/1 (10.0) to prop up the rest of the league come May – the same position they finished in 2011 when they last dropped out of the Premier League.

The international break means that Moyes will not take charge of his new team for almost two weeks, with Watford away first on the agenda followed by Leicester City at home a week later.

The Hammers are currently 12/5 (3.40) to beat the Hornets, who blew a 2-0 lead to lose at Everton on Sunday, and give his side a first win at Vicarage Road for the first time in six years.

Although highly unlikely - as evidenced by the price - West Ham are also available at 250/1 (251.0) to experience a remarkable change in fortunes and finish in the top four after last doing so in 1986.

Moyes will face a tough run of fixtures in December, with the Hammers facing Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal all in the space of 10 days, making it important that the 54-year-old makes a solid start to his career in East London.