Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has predicted that West Ham will only manage a draw against Wolves at the London Stadium this weekend.
The Hammers are going in search of their first points of the Premier League season after three defeats from their first three games, with a midweek win over Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup giving them some momentum for Saturday’s clash.
Merson has however predicted a 2-2 draw between the two sides at the London Stadium, admitting that the Irons played well in their defeat by Arsenal last weekend.
In his predictions for Sky Sports, Merson said: “West Ham played really well at Arsenal. Matt Le Tissier was watching the game and at 1-1 he said they were going to win – but then Marko Arnautovic went off and that was it.
“This will be tough, Wolves did well against Manchester City and the West Ham fans are going to turn up expecting something; the pressure is on. It’s alright going to Arsenal where you’re not expected to win but this is at home.
“If I go Wolves here, and West Ham win easily, I could get embarrassed and you think: ‘Why did I go for a team who’ve just come up?’. West Ham have got the capabilities, if Arnautovic is fit I wouldn’t have a worry. There’s some class in the team, there’s no doubt about that.”
OPINION
It has been a tough start to the season for Manuel Pellegrini and West Ham, with the Hammers lucky that things did not get worse with a loss to Wimbledon in midweek. Three second half goals helped them to their first win of the season however, and that momentum will be key as they look to overcome dangerous newcomers Wolves. Their opponents have endured a tough start to life back in the Premier League, with two draws and a loss so far. However, a point last weekend against defending champions Manchester City was impressive, and they will also carry momentum from a midweek win over Sheffield Wednesday. As Merson says, the fitness of star striker Marko Arnautovic is key for the Irons, and luckily it does look like the Austria international will be fit for Saturday. They looked a different team after he limped off against the Gunners, and they will be praying he stays fit for the remainder of the season.
