Paul Merson predicts West Ham v Bournemouth as he reacts to Harry Maguire transfer news
Paul Merson has given his verdict on the West Ham move for Harry Maguire already as he predicts that the Irons will draw 1-1 with Bournemouth.
Merson shared his view on 10 August that Maguire would be an “excellent” signing for the East London club, as he would be playing under a manager in David Moyes who likes to keep things tight in defence.
The former Arsenal player has given a harsh verdict on West Ham, claiming the club has taken a backwards step and could end up towards the bottom of the table, predicting their game against Bournemouth would end in a draw.
Sharing his Premier League predictions for Sportskeeda, Merson said: “Harry Maguire has been linked to West Ham, and I think he’d be a brilliant signing for them.
“He’d be playing under a manager who likes to keep it tight at the back. This move suits all parties and would be excellent for both the player and the club.
“West Ham seem to be taking two steps forward and five steps back this year. They need to sort themselves out, if I’m being honest. Both these teams might end up in the bottom half of the table, and they’ve got big games to start their campaigns.
“Neither team can afford to lose this game, and I’m going with a draw between these two teams.”
A tough start
West Ham face a visit to the South Coast on 12 August, and Merson’s prediction that the game will end in a draw may not be far wide of the mark.
Edson Alvarez arrived at the club on Thursday [10 August], meaning he will get a maximum of one training session with the team before the game, while even if deals for Maguire and James Ward-Prowse are finalised tomorrow, they will not be available for selection.
The club’s decision to move late for their transfer targets may cause them issues on the opening weekend, as they likely go into the game with Conor Coventry, Flynn Downes and Thomas Soucek to choose from in the central midfield position.
Merson’s call for the club to sort themselves out may have already begun with the Hammers looking to get multiple deals over the line before the transfer window closes on 1 September, but statements like “neither team can afford to lose” on the first game of the season certainly seem dramatic.
In other West Ham news, a new player is ‘in London tonight’ ahead of a move to the London stadium.