Paul Merson issues final relegation verdict as prediction made for West Ham vs Leeds United
Paul Merson has shared whether he believes West Ham United can avoid the drop in the final matchweek of the 2025-2026 Premier League season.
The Irons are in a terrible predicament, with even a win not being enough to secure survival for next season.
Nuno Espirito Santo will have to rely on Everton to do the Hammers a favour, with a Tottenham defeat the only realistic result that could keep them up.
Focus will simply have to be on West Ham getting their side of the bargain done and hoping that former manager David Moyes helps keep them in the league once more.
Predictions are beginning to roll out for West Ham’s clash against Leeds, with Merson issuing his final verdict this season.
🏟️ WEST HAM MATCH DAY CENTRE 🏟️
Line-ups, live ratings, insider verdicts and tactical analysis. Follow every beat from the London Stadium.
Live 24/7 updates from your definitive West Ham United source
What has Paul Merson predicted for West Ham vs Leeds United?
There are few games that mean much on the final weekend, but West Ham against Leeds and Tottenham versus Everton are by far the most important on the calendar.
Now, ahead of the final game of the season, Merson has shared his final set of predictions via Sportskeeda.
| How West Ham can stay in the Premier League mathematically | Result in Tottenham match |
| West Ham win | Tottenham loss |
| West Ham win by 13-goal margin | Tottenham draw |
Merson said: “West Ham were disappointing against Newcastle. That performance was bordering on shocking, if I’m being honest. Leeds have been amazing this season, but this is the last game, and I think West Ham can beat them.
“I say that because West Ham have to win at any cost to avoid relegation. Leeds can afford to relax a bit. The most important thing for West Ham to stay up is that they must score first.
If West Ham score before Tottenham on the final day of the season, that will put pressure on Spurs! If it’s the other way around and Tottenham takes an early lead, West Ham might end up losing to Leeds.”
In the end, the pundit has settled on a 2-1 West Ham win, which would at least give the Irons a chance of remaining in the top flight.
However, they would have to rely on Everton defeating the Lilywhites on the other side of London.
Has Paul Merson predicted for West Ham to be relegated?
Unfortunately, while the former Arsenal man believes West Ham will get their end of the bargain completed and secure the three points required, he has still predicted the Irons to go down.
Merson has predicted Tottenham to secure a 1-1 draw with Everton, and with these two results, that would send the Hammers down to the Championship on goal difference.
It would be an utterly heartbreaking end to the season. There are nine possible outcomes for this weekend, and while there are two mathematical outcomes to keep them up, only one of those is likely.
Securing a 13-goal margin win is out of the question.
West Ham’s final-day record does not provide much hope either, and it is certainly a day where the players must give their all.
Nerves are undoubtedly beginning to build across the West Ham fanbase and perhaps within the squad as well.