Paul Merson predicts result of Europa Conference League final clash between West Ham United v Fiorentina
Paul Merson has predicted the result of the Europa Conference League final between West Ham United and Fiorentina in Prague.
The Hammers have a chance to win their first trophy in over 40 years when they clash with the Serie A club on Wednesday (7 June), in what could be the final game for Declan Rice and David Moyes at the club.
And while making his prediction for SportsKeeda (7 June), Merson raged at UEFA for the venue but ultimately backed West Ham to get over the line with a win on the night.
“This is a tough game to call,” he said. “The venue is an absolute disgrace – it can take only twenty thousand people. You’re trying to make it a good competition, but where are you hosting the final? These are two clubs with huge fanbases. You’d think they make an effort, but then they go ahead and do this.
“I think whoever scores the first goal wins this game. Fiorentina beat Roma last week but they had a game over the weekend.
“If Michail Antonio gets going in this game, I don’t think Fiorentina can live with him. There aren’t many players with his pace and strength in the Serie A. If he gets going, he can be a handful, and we’ve seen glimpses of that this season.
“West Ham have got very good players in their ranks and need to perform. Declan Rice has been playing so well this season and could be the difference between the two teams.
“At the end of the day, it’s a trophy, and if West Ham win it, it’ll be the best season they’ve had in a very long time. They were fighting relegation not very long ago, and they’ll find themselves in football folklore if they win this game.
“This is a huge game, and both teams will be nervous. It comes down to whoever handles the nerves better. You’re up against players you’ve never played against, and it does take time to work them out. It only takes one lapse to fall behind. If both teams play at their best, I think West Ham have the upper hand, and I’m going to back them to win this game. Fiorentina 1-2 West Ham United.”
Please
Merson has got it spot on here, as usual when he talks about things that are important.
UEFA only giving fans 5,000 seats each for such a big game is an absolute disgrace and to nobody’s surprise there will be far more than that from both clubs in the city of Prague for the game to cheer on their teams.
As for the game itself, West Ham have to start hard and fast and use their best players in the best way possible – by going on the front foot.
Antonio has the pace and power to really trouble the Fiorentina defence, while the quality of Rice and Lucas Paqueta in the midfield means Moyes’ side should feel as though they can control the game and force Fiorentina to play at their pace.
After the heartache of the Europa League last year, this is the perfect chance for West Ham to win a trophy and prove this team is the best we’ve had in a long time despite the poor domestic season. COYI.