Former Premier League midfielder turned pundit Paul Merson has made his prediction for Nottingham Forest’s Premier League clash against West Ham this weekend.
Forest make the trip to the London Stadium on Saturday (3pm kick off), just one week after picking up an unexpected point against reigning champions Manchester City. Chris Wood struck in the 84th minute to draw Steve Cooper ’s side level after Bernando Silva’s first half opener.
That point means the gap to the relegation places for Forest is at five points, with West Ham third from bottom. The Hammers lost 2-0 against Tottenham Hotspur in their last outing thanks to goals from Emerson Royal and Son Heung-min.
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The game against West Ham is one of two which could be important for the Reds in their aims of moving further away from the relegation zone. Forest take on Everton at the City Ground next week.
Ahead of the game at the London Stadium, Merson has given his prediction. The pundit believes that the game is more important for West Ham, leading to David Moyes’ side taking all three points.
“This is a must-win game for West Ham. I don't expect West Ham to get relegated,” he wrote in his SportsKeeda column.
“But it was a lackluster performance last weekend against Tottenham. It was one of their biggest games of the season and some of their players didn't treat it like that.
“The Hammers punched above their weight last season. It's important in this league to start well. Look at Brighton, Brentford and Fulham. West Ham haven't started the season well and that has majorly affected their campaign.
“Nottingham Forest got dominated by Manchester City last weekend. I couldn't believe the game ended 1-1. It could have so easily been 7-1 if City had put their chances away. I think West Ham are going to get an extremely important win this weekend”
Paul Merson’s prediction : West Ham 2-0 Nottingham Forest
What are your predictions for the game against West Ham? Tell us in the comments section
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