Charlie Nicholas predicted West Ham to defeat Tottenham 2-1 when the two sides meet in the EFL Cup on Wednesday.
The Hammers are set to host Spurs at the London Stadium on Wednesday and the Sky Sports pundit claimed that he thought Manuel Pellegrini’s team would be going all out to win as they will have their eyes on the trophy.
Nicholas, while predicting the Hammers’ upcoming clash, delivered his verdict on the progress the London club had made recently and shared that he thought they were improving.
“Playing on Monday night forces Mauricio Pochettino’s hand here as he’ll have to make big changes and give the youngsters a run out because the squad just isn’t big enough,” wrote the Sky pundit in his predictions on Sky Sports’ website.
“It’s a tough one for him now as even winning this competition won’t really prove anything as he’s lifted Spurs to challenging for the title and playing in the Champions League.
“I still think West Ham are improving generally and they’re another team who should be going all out to win this thing so because of that and the changes Spurs will have to make, I think the Hammers can get through.”
OPINION
Hammers supporters will be very happy with Nicholas’ prediction for the upcoming clash with Spurs as it’s very positive regarding their club. Given that the Hammers would have felt unlucky to lose 1-0 to Mauricio Pochettino’s team in the league recently, then Nicholas is right to suggest that Pellegrini’s side might taste victory on this occasion. Spurs played on Monday and given that their squad depth isn’t amazing, then a few of their players may not be at their best after giving their all to try and overcome Manchester City. The only dubious comment Nicholas makes is that he suggests that even if Spurs won the EFL trophy, it would prove nothing. However the Hammers’ London rivals have gone without a trophy for so long so it’s not like winning the tournament wouldn’t be treated as a big deal by them. At the end of the day a piece of silverware is always welcomed at a club. Yet given that the Hammers are progressing nicely over Pellegrini, it would be a very positive sign for the future and his reign if his side overcame Spurs and went on to lift the EFL Cup this season.
