Mark Lawrenson predicts West Ham vs Watford result
Mark Lawrenson is expecting West Ham to get back to winning ways in the Premier League when they host Watford on Tuesday night.
The Hammers have lost their last two in the Premier League and needed extra-time to beat Kidderminster Harriers in the FA Cup at the weekend.
But despite Watford earning their first clean sheet of the season against Burnley last time out, Lawrenson told BBC Sport in his predictions that he expected a ‘big improvement’ from David Moyes’ side and backed them to claim a 2-0 win on the night.
“Watford got a point and a clean sheet against Burnley in Roy Hodgson’s first game in charge but, with only one victory in their first 19 games, it is wins they need – and quickly.
“It’s going to be hard for them to get anything out of West Ham, though, especially if Michail Antonio is back for the Hammers.
“The Hammers got away with one against Kidderminster in the FA Cup on Saturday. but they still won despite playing badly. I’d expect a big improvement from them here.”
Big points
West Ham are in a chase for top four and after not making any additions to their squad during the January transfer window, they need to get back on form ASAP.
A win over Watford would help their momentum as they look to push Manchester United, Tottenham and Arsenal all the way for that final Champions League place.
Michail Antonio should be fit enough to return after international duty, and Moyes has a strong squad to pick from.
With the home fans on his side and pushing the team all the way, this is likely to be a tone-setting performance for coming weeks and it needs to be positive.
Watford will be there to spoil the party and will see a draw as a good result, so the Hammers must ensure they don’t get what they’ve come for.
In other West Ham news, Chris Sutton expects West Ham to deal with new Watford game plan in showdown