West Ham: Paul Merson makes ‘absolutely massive’ prediction for Everton clash
West Ham have been predicted to lose their Premier League encounter with Everton on Saturday (2 March) by Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson.
The Hammers earned a first win of 2024 as Jarrod Bowen scored a hat-trick in a 4-2 win over Brentford at the London Stadium on Monday (26 February).
Everton have not won their previous nine league matches, drawing five, but Merson – writing for Sportskeeda – thinks the fact the Toffees had a 10-point deduction for flouting Profit and Sustainability Rules reduced to six will be “absolutely massive” for the Toffees and help them to a 2-1 win.
“Everton got an absolutely massive boost earlier this week as their points deduction was reduced to six from ten, which will allow them to play without fear between now and the end of the season. They aren’t safe yet, but their situation isn’t as bad as it was before, so they just have to ensure they don’t lose too many games,” Merson wrote.
“Sean Dyche and Co have some nice fixtures coming up and Goodison Park will be absolutely bouncing ahead of this game. I think they will make it count and secure a massive win that will take them another step closer to Premier League safety.”
Can Everton beat West Ham at Goodison Park?
There is no doubt that Everton will be feeling some weight lifted off their shoulders by having some points returned after their appeal against the 10-point deduction was partially upheld.
And there is also no doubt that will likely fire up the home Goodison Park crowd, who have felt harshly treated by the Premier League over the process involved with their rule breach.
But the Hammers have had their own difficulties and the pressure was really cranking up on manager David Moyes – a former Toffees boss of course – prior to that much-needed victory against Brentford.
It may be that West Ham feel galvanised after finally getting a win in 2024 and Everton are not exactly in form let’s be honest. So, it promises to be a tight encounter but the visitors will be confident of proving Merson wrong. Let’s just hope that Bowen is in the same form that saw him put the Bees to the sword.
In other West Ham news, the club’s stance on a move for Conor Gallagher has been revealed amid wages revelation.
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