Arsenal legend and former England international Paul Merson believes West Ham United's torrid start to the 2022/2023 Premier League season will continue as David Moyes' men visit Aston Villa this weekend.
A hat-trick of consecutive defeats against Manchester City, Nottingham Forest and Brighton see the Hammers glued to the bottom of the Premier League table as they only team yet to pick up a point.
And Merson, who enjoyed a four-year spell at Villa Park, fancies his former side to take all three points on Sunday despite Villa enduring a lacklustre start to the new campaign themselves under Steven Gerrard.
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Merson explained: "This is going to be a good game. West Ham have had an absolute nightmare of a start to their Premier League season. They punched above their weight last year but are struggling at the moment. I thought West Ham were unlucky against Forest - if you play counter-attacking football, you have to score the first goal.
"Aston Villa held on and got over the line against Everton, but they did lose against Crystal Palace. This is a big match for them. Steven Gerrard played a strong team against Bolton - that tells you everything you need to know. He needs to win matches.
"This is a massive Premier League match for both teams. Both sets of fans will be mad with a defeat here. I think whoever scores first wins this game. Aston Villa are playing at home in the Premier League this week, and I think they have a slight upper hand."
Prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 West Ham United
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