Paul Merson predicts certain relegation for West Ham if this scenario plays out
West Ham travel to Burnley on Saturday in a must-win clash for the club’s survival hopes.
The Hammers are currently sitting in the relegation zone, and no matter what happens this round of fixtures, that will not change.
Currently, West Ham are favourites to go down, joining Burnley and Wolves in dropping to the Championship this season.
However, they can begin to start gaining ground on the sides around them, and that will have to start with a big three points against Burnley.
Paul Merson ramps up pressure on Nuno Espirito Santo in Burnley prediction
West Ham go to Turf Moor as underdogs, but Nuno Espirito Santo will have to overcome those odds if he wants any chance of saving this side from relegation.
The Portuguese manager was handed a lot of new signings in the recent transfer window, with Taty Castellanos and Pablo forging a newfound West Ham attack.
The E20 side will certainly need their stars in fine form, as if they do not win, Paul Merson fears the worst.
Merson wrote for Sportskeeda: “West Ham have got to win here. They have some tough fixtures coming up after this one and Leeds play Forest before this game.
“If West Ham lose this game, I literally have to say they will be relegated.”
A loss against Burnley would certainly be disastrous in the fight for survival. As Merson says, with Leeds and Forest facing each other, there is an opportunity for the Hammers to gain ground on one or both teams.
However, the pundit in the end did predict a 2-1 win for West Ham, but there is no doubt that pressure is building on Nuno ahead of the game.
Crysencio Summerville could do something Jesse Lingard last achieved at West Ham
Crysencio Summerville’s turn of form has come at a great time for West Ham, and they will need the Dutchman at his best against the Clarets on Saturday.
The winger has scored in his last four appearances in all competitions for the Hammers, and he could make it five this weekend.
If Summerville scores, he will be the first player since Jesse Lingard in 2021 to score a goal in five games in a row for the club.
Nuno will need his attacking players at their best, as while Burnley have conceded 47 goals this season, there have also been games they have frustrated their opponents.