Paul Merson and Chris Sutton disagree on the outcome of Chelsea versus West Ham as Thomas Tuchel looks to return to winning ways. The Blues currently sit tenth in the Premier League and have won just two of the opening five fixtures, which is a huge setback in the race for top-four.
Chelsea looked to be somewhat back on track after grinding out a 2-1 win over Leicester City, but a midweek defeat to Southampton on the south coast further stagnated the Blues' momentum. The west Londoners already find themselves a few points behind the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and even Manchester United ahead of a tough run-in for Champions League qualification.
With West Ham out of form too, scoring just twice this campaign, Tuchel has been granted the perfect opportunity to reignite his side's form. But, Merson and Sutton have disagreed on the outcome of the tie - though neither have predicted a Chelsea loss.
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The former Arsenal midfielder predicted a 2-1 win for the Blues. Speaking to Sportskeeda, he insisted that Chelsea cannot afford any more slip ups.
Merson said: "The way Chelsea have started their Premier League season, they've brought Arsenal and Tottenham straight into the top four equation. I wouldn't surprised if both these teams finish above Chelsea this season.
"Chelsea can't afford to lose these games. Mason Mount has got to start scoring goals - he needs to add that to his game," he added.
"He's a big part of the Chelsea side, and he gets a lot of touches. He didn't score a lot last season but Chelsea were winning, and everybody was praising him. They're not winning right now, and you go, ‘Wait a minute! Mount's struggling!’ He's got to score more goals in the Premier League.
"I'd like to think Tuchel will pick Wesley Fofana, Thiago Silva, and Kalidou Koulibaly this weekend. Silva's their best defender at the moment. When they don't play three at the back they struggle, and if you've brought Fofana in, you're surely playing a three-man defence.
"This is a massive game for both teams. West Ham did well against Tottenham, and they fought back in the second half. Chelsea have got to win this game, and I wouldn't be surprised if this match is decided by the odd goal as well."
Predicting a 1-1 draw, Sutton told BBC Sport: "I don’t know about this one. Chelsea have signed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang but things aren’t right at the club.
"Thomas Tuchel is agitated and he could come under pressure if they don't win this game. West Ham are getting there now. I expect Chelsea to win if both teams turn up but I do have a feeling West Ham will get a point from this."
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