Former Premier League forwards Chris Sutton and Paul Merson have disagreed in their score predictions for Saturday’s Premier League clash between West Ham United and Everton.
The Hammers (18th) and the Toffees (19th) both go into the game in wretched form, with their managers David Moyes and Frank Lampard under significant pressure at their respective clubs.
Giving his verdict on the clash at the London Stadium, former Chelsea and Celtic forward Sutton, who also won the 1994/95 Premier League title with Blackburn Rovers, feels that if it was possible for both sides to lose, they would, tipping a 0-0 draw.
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“Is it possible for me to make a prediction where both teams lose?” Sutton told the BBC Sport website. “Both managers are under a lot of pressure, and neither side seems able to score many goals.
“West Ham boss David Moyes didn't get the result he needed when his side lost to Wolves last weekend, but their performance was even worse.
“While there has been lots of criticism of Everton's owner and the club's board, Frank Lampard's record of only one win and 10 defeats in their past 13 games does not stand up to much scrutiny either.
“Are either of these teams really capable of taking the game to the other one? I am not sure, and I cannot bring myself to back either of them.
“It's difficult to say they are both suited to doing anything, to be honest, but they are both marginally better on the counter-attack, and will be hoping they can nick something from what will probably be a very nervy - and possibly quite boring - game.”
Meanwhile, former Arsenal forward Merson has expected it to be the match where the Hammers record their first league victory since beating Bournemouth 2-0 on October 24.
Predicting a 2-0 West Ham win, Merson believes that West Ham can use home advantage to inspire them to a crucial victory.
“This is a huge game,” Merson told Sportskeeda. “This is a game between the third-bottom and second-bottom teams in the Premier League table.
“Everton have played the bottom team in the Premier League and have lost twice - they can't afford to do that. They did quite well against Man City, and they'll have to do it again.
“This is a tough game for West Ham, and it's a game that neither manager can afford to lose. West Ham are playing at home, and I think they have the upper hand in this game.”
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