West Ham United host Stoke City in the Premier League this afternoon.
Pundit Mark Lawrenson has told BBC Sport that he thinks West Ham United will draw 1-1 at home with Stoke City this afternoon.
The Hammers were enjoying a decent run of form having won three games in a row in all competitions, but suffered a 2-0 defeat away at Everton last weekend to set them back again.
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic
Slaven Bilic’s men must respond this afternoon, and certainly need to give their fans something to shout about after a difficult start to life at their new London Stadium home.
In front of their home fans today, West Ham host a Stoke City side who lie two points and five places above Bilic’s Hammers.
The Potters beat Swansea City 3-1 at home on Monday evening, and it’s now three victories in a row for Mark Hughes’ men, having also beaten Sunderland and Hull of late.
Stoke City manager Mark Hughes
Given that Sunderland, Hull and Swansea all lie in the bottom three, Stoke may be expecting a tougher game against West Ham, even if Bilic’s side are yet to really hit their stride themselves.
Ahead of this afternoon’s game, pundit Mark Lawrenson has spoken to BBC Sport, predicting a 1-1 draw between the two clubs in a result which would certainly suit Stoke more than West Ham.
Lawrenson suggested that last week’s defeat at Everton showed that West Ham still have plenty of improving to do both on and off the pitch, with ‘no good news’ emanating from East London right now – and he added that Stoke appear to be moving forward, with deadline day signing Wilfried Bony hitting the goal trail against Swansea.
Mark Lawrenson
“West Ham had been on an improved run until their defeat at Everton, which showed they still have work to do on the pitch as well as off it – there is no good news coming out of the London Stadium at the moment,” said Lawrenson.
“It is no surprise Stoke’s results have picked up of late. They look much better going forward at the moment, especially now Wilfried Bony is back among the goals, and the Potters seem to have the bit between their teeth,” he added.
What’s your prediction for West Ham United v Stoke City?
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