Paul Merson has issued a brutal verdict on West Ham United’s recent run of form ahead of the Irons hosting Chelsea on Saturday afternoon, while writing in his Sportskeeda column.
The Hammers welcome Thomas Tuchel’s Premier League table-topping side to the London Stadium without a win in three games. David Moyes’ men last clinched all three-points in a game on November 7 when the east Londoners stunned Liverpool to win 3-2 at home.
West Ham’s win over Liverpool moved the Irons above the Reds into third in the table, just three-points behind Chelsea. But they will host the Blues nine-points back, and only one in front of fifth-place Arsenal after their defeat to Manchester United on Thursday night.
West Ham have sat inside the Premier League top-four since October 24 when they beat Tottenham. Victories over Aston Villa and Liverpool followed, but none have since.
Merson feels West Ham have instead hit reverse since the November international break, and the Arsenal icon feels Romelu Lukaku can help Chelsea expose a flaw in Moyes’ plans.
“West Ham have gone backwards ever since they got into the Premier League top-four,” he wrote. “They can’t seem to win a match now – they’ve failed to win their last three games.
“This is a big game for West Ham, though, and they will be tighter at the back than they were against Brighton.
“Chelsea got lucky against Watford this week and haven’t been at their best this week.
“I’d play Romelu Lukaku in this match. West Ham’s biggest threat comes from set plays and Chelsea could use a player of Lukaku’s build.”
Can West Ham spring another London Stadium surprise by beating Chelsea?
Chelsea will be a tough test for West Ham, but Moyes’ side have sprung surprises at home already this season. They toppled Liverpool and Tottenham, and will hope to add the Blues.
West Ham will have to be tight defensively and likely hope Michail Antonio rediscovers his form to beat Chelsea. Tuchel’s men have only lost once so far this term when Manchester City won in September, and are unbeaten on the road while scoring 15 to two conceded.
Antonio is central to the way the Hammers attack operates, but is enduring a barren spell in front of goal. The 31-year-old has failed to score or lay on an assist in five league games.
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