Mark Lawrenson predicts West Ham clash v Brentford
Mark Lawrenson thinks David Moyes has switched his priorities to the Europa League as he was predicting the result of West Ham v Brentford this weekend.
The Hammers fought to a 1-1 draw at the London Stadium against Lyon on Thursday night in their Europa League quarter-final and have won three of their last five Premier League games.
But Lawrenson, writing in his BBC Sport predictions column, believes Moyes has turned his attentions completely towards Europe and feels that could help Brentford earn a 2-1 win.
“Brentford’s win at Chelsea was just spectacular and Christian Eriksen has clearly made a massive difference to their whole team,” he said. “His influence goes far beyond any goals or assists.
“I always thought the Bees would get out of trouble at the bottom of the table anyway, even when they were on that terrible run at the turn of the year, but signing a world-class midfielder in January has obviously helped.
“West Ham have got two big games this week, home and away against Lyon in the Europa League quarter-finals. David Moyes does not have the biggest of squads, and I think Europe is his priority now.”
Truth
As much as West Ham and the coaching staff will deny it, they will certainly have an eye on the European campaign moreso than the Premier League.
Their chances of a top four finish have taken a distinct hit in recent weeks and now seems highly unlikely, meaning triumph on the continent is their best chance of Champions League football next season.
With the second leg away in France coming on Thursday, Moyes must make decisions on his starting lineup in order to potentially rest players for that tie.
With such a small squad, that will obviously weaken their chances of victory and while they’re still more than capable, Brentford are on a high right now and could take advantage.
Hammers fans will certainly prefer to win the game, as they would every game, but ask them to choose between Brentford or Lyon and they’ll all take a less than stellar result here.
In other West Ham news, Fabrizio Romano shuts down rumours of West Ham ace to Premier League giants
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