West Ham United face a crucial game ahead of next week’s international break as they tackle high-flying Liverpool in the Premier League, as they seek to move away from the drop-zone.
The Hammers threw away a two-goal lead against Crystal Palace last weekend to draw 2-2 and subsequently sit just a single point above the relegation zone, with the pressure on manager Slaven Bilic continuing to increase.
West Ham have struggled to find stability over the course of the past 18 months but it’s not just down to managerial mistakes, as the players have been underperforming and one man in particular earned heavy criticism following last weekend’s draw.
Michail Antonio cheaply conceded possession late in the match ahead of Crystal Palace’s late equaliser and Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson believes he was fortunate to escape a fine, as he predicted Liverpool to run out 3-1 victors this weekend.
“West Ham last week, seriously… Michail Antonio should be on the verge of getting a two-week fine for what he did. I honestly cannot believe what he done, it was unbelievable.”
“I am going to go for Liverpool to win here. I just think they will have too much firepower for them defensively. So I am going to go 3-1, as how are Liverpool ever going to keep a clean sheet?!”
A defeat for the Hammers could see them drop into the bottom three if results elsewhere go against them, which could cost Bilic his job.
