Paul Merson predicts West Ham United clash v Leicester City
West Ham are “in a bit of trouble” despite being heavy favourites to beat Leicester City on Tuesday, Paul Merson has said.
Writing for Sportskeeda (2 December), Merson backed the Hammers to come away from the King Power Stadium with a 2-1 win but argued that Julen Lopetegui’s spell in charge has not been good enough.
The Irons head to the East Midlands off the back of a 5-2 humbling by Arsenal at home, but Merson added that picking up results in the next few weeks will all but guarantee their top-flight safety.
“West Ham got blown away in 30 minutes against Arsenal. Those two goals may have papered over the cracks a little bit, but they are not out of the woods yet”, he said.
“I still can’t see West Ham losing this game, I’d be shocked if that happened.
“Julen Lopetegui needs to string together a few results in the league and then West Ham can probably focus on a cup run.
“There is no doubt that West Ham are in a bit of trouble now though. They will be safe in the end, but that’s just not good enough if you’re West Ham in my opinion.”
Leicester City v West Ham is must-win game for Julen Lopetegui
The Hammers will arguably be in much more than just “a bit of trouble” if their inconsistent results continue into the new year, having followed up a 2-0 win at Newcastle with that Arsenal drubbing.
Conceding four times inside the opening half-hour with the likes of Lucas Paqueta at sixes and sevens, Saturday’s result was the culmination of several matches in which the Irons have shipped goals at will.
As a result, and facing a Leicester side being led by Ruud van Nistelrooy for the first time, a response is needed from Lopetegui, both in terms of performance on the pitch and points on the board.
Failure to win and other results going against the Hammers would see the gap to the relegation places close to just three points, further heightening the tension and pressure already on Lopetegui’s shoulders.
While Lopetegui can welcome back Mohammed Kudus for this game following a five-game ban, the Ghanaian’s form this season – like the rest of his teammates – doesn’t warrant much optimism for the Irons’ chances at the King Power.
In other West Ham news, one of Lopetegui’s star players at the London Stadium has been nominated for a prestigious FIFA award.
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.