Mark Lawrenson has predicted Watford to defeat West Ham 2-0 when the sides clash at the London Stadium on Saturday.
The BBC pundit acknowledged that the Hammers have been in impressive form as of late by racking up four wins in a row and revealed how they were completely different from the side whose defence was all over the place when facing Liverpool in the season opener.
Lawrenson shared that while it was a hard game to call between the Hornets and the Hammers, based on what he has seen of Javi Garcia’s side this season away from home, he just had their feeling that they’d be celebrating on Saturday.
“West Ham have found some great form and have now won four in a row,” wrote Lawrenson in his predictions for BBC Sport.
“The Hammers defence, which was all over the place at Liverpool in the opening weekend of the season, is a completely different proposition now.
“This game is hard to call, though. I have been impressed by Watford in the past couple of weeks – in their draw with Everton and their win over Cardiff.
“West Ham have been on such a good run that they will probably be expecting to win, but when I have seen Watford away this season they have been unlucky to lose – and I just have a feeling they will leave with the points this time.”
OPINION
Well if Lawrenson is right then Hammers fans should be prepared for the Christmas spirit around the London Stadium to be spoiled courtesy of the Hornets. It’s easy to agree with the pundit over the fact Saturday’s clash between the two Premier League sides is hard to call, as both have been guilty of being inconsistent this season, however you’d feel that Manuel Pellegrini’s side are the most likely to emerge victorious. The Hammers have not only racked up four wins in a row, played excellent football during that time, but they should be able to take advantage of playing at home. While the London Stadium clearly has it’s flaws, which are well known to supporters, it is possible for fans to make enough noise to see that stadium rocking. Hammers supporters can be the ‘twelfth man’ on Saturday by making themselves heard in a positive manner in order to help their side where possible against Watford.
