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Paul Merson predicts result of West Ham United Premier League clash v Brentford
Paul Merson has made his score prediction for the upcoming Premier League game between West Ham United and Brentford on Sunday (14 May).
The Hammers have lost three of the last four Premier League games but a win against Manchester United last time out all but secured their safety for another season.
After a win over AZ Alkmaar in the Europa Conference League in midweek though, Merson told Sportskeeda (11 May) that their attentions could be on Europe when they head to west London and picked Brentford to claim a 2-0 win.
“I think they [West Ham] are safe now with respect to the relegation battle and the teams in the drop zone are going to have to spring major surprises to overtake them in the table,” he said.
“I don’t see West Ham playing some of their starters after the game on Thursday and are likely to take it easy here. As a result, they could get punished by Brentford who have a pretty good season.”
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While it would be very difficult for West Ham to be relegated from this position, until we’re 100% safe Moyes would be crazy to field anything but a full strength team against Brentford.
Obviously at this point the Conference League second leg against AZ Alkmaar should have priority because it’s a real chance for a trophy, especially considering the 2-1 win in the first leg.
But another defeat to Brentford is likely to hurt the morale of the team after consecutive wins last week and that could have a negative impact on the team against Alkmaar.
A few changes could be worthwhile to get fresh legs into the team and rest some others, while allowing players with niggles to recover, but wholesale changes isn’t something that should be considered.
A win against Brentford sends a message that the team are back at their best and completely secures safety for next season, so that has to be the target.