Paul Merson has told his Sports Keeda column it is the perfect time to play against West Ham and predicts Leeds to come away with a crucial 2-0 win at the London Stadium – as Sam Allardyce prepares for his third game in charge.
Results went against Leeds on Saturday. It looked as if Everton were going to suffer defeat at Wolves, but ended up scoring a 99th-minute equaliser through Yerry Mina. Then, Nottingham Forest stunned all to beat Arsenal at home.
Many would have looked at Sunday’s trip to London as a must-win match against West Ham and now, it certainly is. Leeds need a victory to realistically give them any chance of surviving on the final day, when we host Tottenham.
A point keeps us alive, but Everton play host to Bournemouth and after a late equaliser such as that – they will be buoyant. However, Merson believes that Leeds have the perfect chance to play West Ham, predicting a 2-0 victory.
“This is the perfect time for Leeds United to face West Ham. They have to make this one count. They are likely to rest a lot of their players after their Europa Conference League heroics. Leeds will need to take advantage of it.
“If West Ham win the Conference League, it’ll be absolutely amazing. What a turnaround it will be for David Moyes if they do end up winning a European title. Leeds will be hungrier and that could help them get a massive result.”
Paul Merson predicts Leeds win, perfect time to play against West Ham
Merson is right, it is going to be the ideal time to play against the Hammers. West Ham are safe, and have little to play for in the Premier League. Their focus will be avoiding injuries and preparing mainly, for their European final.
They take on Fiorentina on June 7 and while that is some distance away, the current starting players will still be tired after a long and arduous clash against Alkmaar. Keeping injury-prone players like Michail Antonio fit, is crucial.
So, you would imagine Moyes will rest a number of players today. The likes of Antonio, Declan Rice, Lucas Paqueta and others. He made nine changes against Brentford last weekend. Even, if it is to give his fringe players a chance.
