Don Hutchison shares his emphatic prediction for West Ham vs Sunderland

Follow us on Google Discover

Former West Ham United and Sunderland midfielder Don Hutchison has predicted the outcome of Saturday’s crucial clash between two of his old clubs.

West Ham United’s Manuel Lanzini celebrates scoring in the win over Palace last time out

West Ham United won on their travels to London rivals Crystal Palace for the third consecutive season when Manuel Lanzini‘s strike secured a 1-0 victory at the weekend.

It was only West Ham’s second win of the season and a vital one too as it lifted Slaven Bilic’s side out of the relegation zone and eased the pressure on him and his team after their worst start to a Premier League season.

West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic

Bilic has been a man under pressure but the morale-boosting victory has breathed new life and renewed hope into the club’s faltering season.

The club’s struggles are in sharp contrast to last season when they bid farewell to their beloved Boleyn with their best ever Premier League points total and a first positive goal difference since 1986.

Meanwhile, it has been the same old story for Sunderland this season under new boss David Moyes with another relegation battle looming large.

Sunderland manager David Moyes looks dejected

Rock bottom and without a win from their opening eight games, the Black Cats were soundly beaten 2-0 by Stoke City last time out.

Moyes has been brutally honest about his side’s chances this season.

And speaking in his blog on West Ham’s official website, Hutchison – who played 98 times for the Hammers and 40 for Sunderland – thinks the Black Cats could be catching Bilic’s side at the wrong time.

Don Hutchison during his second spell at West Ham

“Sunderland are in big trouble at the moment and you can see that David Moyes’ team are lacking confidence,” Hutchison told whufc.com.

“West Ham got a good win against Crystal Palace last weekend and will take a lot of confidence from that result heading into the game at the weekend…now need another three points and a good performance against Sunderland.

“I cannot see Sunderland winning the game and feel they are weak at the moment. They cannot keep a clean sheet and I expect West Ham to get the victory.”