‘Drained’ – Paul Merson predicts result of West Ham clash v Tottenham
Paul Merson thinks West Ham could be ‘drained’ after their European game in midweek when they take on Tottenham in the Premier League on Sunday.
The Hammers travel to north London to take on their fierce rivals in a clash with serious top four implications for both sides, but it comes after a blockbuster Europa League clash against Sevilla for David Moyes’ side.
Merson, who was making his weekly picks for Sportskeeda before that game, believes the size of that game could drain the small squad and is backing Spurs to pick up a convincing 3-1 win thanks to Harry Kane.
“Much like Leicester City, West Ham have European commitments to cater to as they prepare to face UEFA Europa League favourites Sevilla,” he said. “Whatever happens in the tie, the Hammers will be drained heading into the game and that could play into Tottenham’s hands.
“This is a massive London derby and could have a few goals in it. Spurs, in my opinion, were the better team against Manchester United despite losing, so I fancy them to win this one. Harry Kane is back in red-hot form and has really stepped up and delivered under Antonio Conte, but was there ever any doubt about the Englishman’s ability?
“When Conte came in, a lot of people referred to him as a defensive coach with a rather negative brand of football. However, what’s important is that Conte’s centre forwards always score goals. Be it Diego Costa at Chelsea or Romelu Lukaku at Inter Milan, that has always been the case and it has seemingly continued at Tottenham with Kane.
“The cream always rises to the top, so I don’t find it surprising that Kane’s found his shooting boots at the business end of the season. He’s a top player and is flourishing under a fantastic coach.”
Season done?
That could be the season done if Merson is correct about Spurs picking up all three points on Sunday.
The Europa League is still on after an aggregate extra-time win over Sevilla last night but defeat to Tottenham would see West Ham fall behind them, Arsenal and Man United in the table despite having played more than them all.
That would mean no Champions League football despite what many would consider a good season unless they went all the way in Europe, so it would be bitterly disappointing to have nothing to show for it.
Many will point to the failure of strengthening the squad in January and they’d have a point, but ultimately it was a lack of consistency in the end that cost them.
They’ll be hoping to keep their season alive with a big win against an inconsistent Spurs, but if not they can start planning early for next year.
In other West Ham news, ‘World class, magical’ – Garth Crooks can’t believe eyes at West Ham duo v Aston Villa