Paul Merson said on Sky Sports News (1:24pm, February 20, 2021) that he does not think that Tottenham Hotspur head coach Jose Mourinho will include Gareth Bale in the starting lineup against West Ham United.
Tottenham will take on West Ham away from home at the London Stadium in the Premier League on Sunday.
Former Arsenal star Merson, who now works as a pundit for Sky Sports, believes that Bale will not start for Spurs in the London derby.
Ex-Crystal Palace forward Clinton Morrison believes that the winger should start.
The 31-year-old Wales international, signed on loan from Real Madrid in the summer of 2020, scored a goal and provided an assist against Wolfsberger in the Europa League on Thursday evening.
Merson said on Sky Sports News (1:24pm, February 20, 2021) when asked if Bale would start against West Ham: “No, I would be shocked.”
The English added: “I was a big fan of Gareth Bale. I’ll ask the question: Would he play for West Ham tomorrow if he was at West Ham? I don’t think he would get into the West Ham team tomorrow. It’s horses for courses. We were all good players but times change.”
Morrison said: “I would start him.”
Should Gareth Bale start against West Ham United?
Bale had one of his best games for Tottenham this season on Thursday evening and is high on confidence.
The winger should be given the chance to build on his display in the Europa League.
After all, Bale is not going to get back to his best if he does not get a run of games.
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