West Ham: Paul Merson predicts result of ‘must-win’ Premier League clash v Nottingham Forest
West Ham United will extend their winless run in all competitions to eight matches when they face Nottingham Forest on Saturday 17 February, according to Paul Merson.
The Sky Sports presenter doesn’t believe that David Moyes’ side will be able to bounce back from their 6-0 thrashing by Arsenal last time out when they travel to the City Ground, suggesting Forest will claim all three points with a 2-1 win.
Forest, who have been in terrible form since Nuno Espirito Santo was appointed, haven’t won in the Premier League since December, but Merson expects the home crowd inside the City ground to get behind their side on Saturday.
Writing for Sportskeeda on Thursday (15 February) he said: “This is a must-win game for Forest. If they don’t get three points here, I’d start worrying for them badly.
“There are good times to play against a certain team and I’d say this is the perfect time for Forest to take on West Ham, who are coming on the back of a 6-0 hammering against Arsenal.
“This is nothing less than a cup final for Forest and I expect them to record a big win in front of their home fans.”
West Ham defeat could increase sack pressure on David Moyes
Talk around Moyes’ future at the London Stadium has been rampant since West Ham’s heavy defeat at the hands of Arsenal, with some suggesting that the Scotsman only has a couple of games left to save his job and avoid the sack.
Should Merson’s prediction come true, it will only increase the pressure on Moyes from the Hammers’ fanbase, especially considering Forest are struggling towards the bottom of the Premier League table currently.
A win would likely not be enough to silence the doubters either. West Ham fans want to see their team control a contest rather than counter-attack their way to three points and anything less than a dominant display will leave supporters unhappy.
Hopefully, Moyes and his side can bounce back and claim all three points at the City Ground on Saturday. If they don’t, it could be the end for Moyes and potentially the end of the Irons’ hopes of Europe next season.
In other West Ham news, one journalist has shared an update on Gary O’Neil’s interest in the Hammers job
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