Mark Lawrenson has boldly predicted West Ham to defeat Chelsea 2-1 when the two sides meet at the London Stadium on Sunday.
The BBC pundit shared that he had a feeling that the Hammers would record their first home win of the season after achieving a “super” victory over Everton last weekend.
Lawrenson shared that his prediction wasn’t based on form as Chelsea have won five games out of five while Manuel Pellegrini’s side have struggled at home.
“West Ham had a super win last weekend against Everton and they will be hoping Marko Arnautovic recovers from the knee injury he sustained in that game, because he was just terrific,” wrote Lawrenson in his predictions for BBC Sport.
“The Hammers have lost both their games at London Stadium so far this season, but I have a feeling they will turn up for this one.
“That’s not based on form, because Chelsea have got five league wins out of five, or the fact West Ham are at home, because they have been struggling there.
“I might be going out on a limb in backing the Hammers, but I just think something will click for them this time.”
OPINION
There will be joyous scenes at the London Stadium if Lawrenson is right as it would be a morale boosting victory if the Hammers defeated the Blues. As not only would it make it two wins out of two or see the Hammers achieve victory at home but it will be particularly celebrated as it would end London rivals Chelsea’s 100% start to the season. Hopefully the BBC pundit is spot-on with his bold prediction for the Hammers sake as all that fuss about a terrible start will simply be a distant memory. Also Lawrenson is right to highlight the performance of Marko Arnautovic in the Toffees’ game and is even more bang on the money to suggest that everyone at the Hammers is hoping he is fit enough to feature on Sunday. The Hammers attacker has constantly been withdrawn from games early this season due to seemingly picking up minor knocks and while it would be nice to rest him, Pellegrini knows he is the club’s best hope of getting another victory on the board this Sunday.
