Paul Merson predicts ‘weak’ West Ham United result vs Burnley amid Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowen blows
Paul Merson has predicted Burnley will beat a “weak” West Ham side on the return to action after the international break, with the Hammers hit by injuries.
In his Sportskeeda column on 23 November the Sky Sports pundit said that with Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio missing it would be a “good time” for the Clarets to play the Hammers, as the Jamaica forward’s absence is a particular blow.
Merson has backed Vincent Kompany’s men to take a 1-0 win at home if the key West Ham pair don’t play, to boost themselves in light of Everton’s points deduction.
Merson said: “Burnley have got to win their home games if they are to have any chance of staying in the Premier League. They’re struggling right now and have lost six matches on the trot, however, it’s a good time to play West Ham.
“A couple of their crucial players, Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowen, had to leave the England camp due to injury and if they’re not going to play, the Hammers will be weak.
“If these big names are missing, then Burnley could win this one. Antonio, especially, is going to be a big miss for West Ham. A win here will be a huge boost for Burnley given Everton’s points deduction.”
Unwelcome developments
Every manager and fanbase hopes to get through international breaks in the early months of the season unscathed and this time West Ham haven’t.
On balance it would probably be more of an issue to be without Bowen for the return of the Premier League since the England winger has been the leading light for David Moyes this term.
His issue is thought to be less serious than Antonio’s, which is expected to see him miss multiple games, so there is a chance he could play.
But with the Irons not exactly blessed with options at striker it is certainly not good news to be without the senior man, even if his form has dipped since an excellent start to the campaign.
The 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest just before the break was a crucial rebound after some iffy results, but the task hasn’t gotten any easier in the weeks since.
A defeat to the side bottom, even after the Toffees were docked 10 points, would be a concerning development for the rest of the season so Moyes needs to prove Merson wrong to maintain confidence into a packed winter schedule.
In other West Ham news, Brazil are unhappy with the FA over Lucas Paqueta amid growing confidence around the ongoing investigation.