Do Hull simply need to win over West Ham more this weekend?
Paul Merson
Paul Merson has told SkySports that he believes Hull City will come out on top against West Ham this weekend.
The pundit feels the Hammers will come unstuck simply because Hull need the victory more as they battle against relegation.
The Tigers have rallied since Marco Silva replaced Mike Phelan in January, but have won just one of their last five and have slipped back into the relegation zone, presently sitting in 18th.
Hull City manager Marco Silva
West Ham are in 12th and have no wins from their last five, including three consecutive defeats, making this a very winnable game for Hull.
Merson predicts a 2-1 win for Hull, and said: “West Ham haven’t been great, though they are better away from home. I just think Hull have to win this game, they’ve got two games at home in the space of a few games, and they need to get six points from these two games.
“Marco Silva started off well, in games where the pressure was on, but the pressure will double and triple now. Hull have to win this.”
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic could find himself under pressure if he loses this weekend, with a report in The Sun suggesting he could be replaced at the end of the campaign if he does not secure a top 10 finish for his side.
Bilic is popular among his players, and such a report could cause them to rally round their manager and lift their games.
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