Paul Merson predicts result of West Ham United Premier League clash v Chelsea
Paul Merson has made his prediction ahead of the Premier League clash between Chelsea and West Ham at the London Stadium this weekend.
The Hammers started the season with a 1-1 draw on the road at Bournemouth despite a strong performance, while Chelsea were held by Liverpool at Stamford Bridge before splashing the cash on Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia this week to strengthen their midfield.
And speaking to Sportskeeda (17 August), Sky Sports regular Merson admitted that he sees the Blues picking up all three points from this game despite being impressed by the Hammers and how difficult they were to break down on the opening day.
“West Ham United did well last weekend against Bournemouth. They had to settle for a draw but they are a team that’s difficult to break down,” he said.
“I think Enzo Fernandez and Conor Gallagher played brilliantly against Liverpool. I also think Nicolas Jackson will be among the goals this season. However, if Chelsea are to make an impact and fight for a top 4 sport, they will rely heavily on Ben Chilwell and Reece James. Both of them need to stay fit and healthy throughout the season.
“The two wing-backs have got quality and they get up and down the pitch so well. I think Chelsea will cause West Ham problems on the counter-attack and I expect them to get all three points here.
“If they can win this game against the Hammers and beat Luton Town next week, that will be a solid start for Chelsea. West Ham 1-2 Chelsea.”
Game plan
If there is one thing that all West Ham fans can agree on when it comes to David Moyes is that he knows how to set a team up defensively to try and get a result.
The team has looked good defensively and with Alphonse Areola between the sticks now, there is a fresher look to the team too.
Unfortunately expected centre-back signing Konstantinos Mavropanos won’t be available to play in the game, but the team can welcome in summer signings James Ward-Prowse and Edson Alvarez into the midfield and that will no doubt make us stronger and more competitive.
Chelsea are a great side with some top players, but so are we and with the home crowd behind the team at the London Stadium there is no reason we can’t put them to the sword and get a result.
It’s arguably the perfect time to play them as they settle new players in under a new manager, and it would be a huge three points for us to move into the season with.
In other West Ham news, Chelsea enter race to sign forward West Ham want to sign after shocking Thursday development.