Former Arsenal man and Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has tipped West Ham to cause problems for Manchester United before the two teams face off at the London Stadium this weekend.
This weekend is shaping up to be one of the most important of the season so far, with both Julen Lopetegui and Erik Ten Hag on the hot seat and their Premier League futures hanging in the balance.
Sunday’s game has been dubbed as ‘El Sackico’, Ten Hag’s replacement is in the works in Manchester with former Barcelona manager Xavi recently linked and due to fan pressure the Hammers brass could look to part ways with the Spaniard if poor form continues.
While there is certainly no clear favourite in this game, Merson gave some insight into why he thinks West Ham could cause some issues this weekend, stating: “This is a big game for West Ham. Irrespective of where they are or how they are performing, Manchester United are still a big club and when they come visiting, it will be a special occasion.
“I actually think these teams can cause each other a lot of problems. I don’t mean to disrespect Manchester United, but this is a great game for West Ham to turn their season around.”
Can the Hammers take all three points?
We have had a good recent run of form against the Red Devils in recent seasons, winning two of the last three matchups with both wins coming at the London Stadium. The last time these two faced off in London two late goals thanks to Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus were enough to take all three points.
However, Kudus is set to miss this game due to suspension for violent conduct which he picked up in the recent 4-1 loss to rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Lopetegui has plenty of attacking talent to take Kudus’ place as Crysensio Summerville and Luis Guilherme will battle it out to start this weekend.
Summerville showed great potential at Leeds United, putting up 21 goals and 10 assists in all competitions last season.
We will need him to show this form again if we are to win, but with the help of Bowen and Michail Antonio up front there is no doubt in my mind we have enough firepower to put the Red Devils to bed.
