Paul Merson has made his Premier League prediction for West Ham United vs Tottenham Hotspur at the London Stadium on Saturday evening.
Tottenham Hotspur are gearing up as they prepare to do battle with West Ham United and it seemed this would be a straightforward fixture after two matches each in the Premier League.
Spurs kept clean sheets in wins over Burnley and Manchester City, while West Ham were thrashed by Sunderland and Chelsea, and even lost to Wolves in the Carabao Cup.
However, a dramatic twist occurred before the international break, which has made this a far more interesting fixture. Tottenham limped to a 1-0 defeat at home to Bournemouth, while West Ham blew Nottingham Forest away at the City Ground.
On top of this, West Ham usually give Spurs a good game, regardless of their form. Of the last 10 Premier League meetings between the cross-city rivals, both teams have won three matches each, while four have ended in draws.
Paul Merson predicts a Tottenham victory over West Ham
Paul Merson has highlighted what this fixture means to West Ham. While Tottenham have bigger rivals in Arsenal and Chelsea, West Ham supporters despise Spurs more than any other club, and it shows on the pitch.
However, Merson believes the Hammers will be required to take the game to Tottenham due to the occasion, which could work in favour of Thomas Frank and his team.
Merson told Sportskeeda: “Two unbelievable results for both these teams last time out. I did have a feeling about Tottenham messing up that Bournemouth game, and I said it here too! But I never expected West Ham to win, hugely significant three points for them before the international break.
“Don’t get me wrong, it was a great result for West Ham against Nottingham Forest, but three goals in the last 10 minutes can sort of paper over the cracks! This is West Ham’s cup final, Spurs at home is their biggest game of the season. So they must play on the front foot from the start, and I don’t think it suits them.
“There isn’t much pressure on Graham Potter this weekend as compared to in the past few weeks. But if he doesn’t win, he will be back to square one. That is exactly what I think will happen at the London stadium, Spurs win.”
Paul Merson’s prediction: West Ham 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur
Thomas Frank has a poor record against Graham Potter
Merson may believe West Ham will be forced to play in a way which does not suit Graham Potter’s squad, but the former Brighton and Chelsea manager knows how to get the better of Frank. Potter’s team have come out on top five times out of seven against a Brentford team managed by Frank.
Of course, the players each manager has had at his disposal should be a factor to consider. Potter had access to players who cost a fortune at Chelsea, while Frank was more limited at his former club.
Now, it is Frank who has the stronger team on paper, and Tottenham will surely be the favourites to take all three points.
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