Paul Merson predicts West Ham v Watford
By Will Butcher
Paul Merson has predicted that West Ham will secure an away point against Watford in Saturday’s tea-time kick-off at Vicarage Road.
The Hammers will be looking to continue their run of good form that has secured 10 points from a possible 15, after wins against Crystal Palace, Middlesbrough and Southampton.
Former Arsenal ace Merson believes the two will play out a 1-1 draw in Hertfordshire, and claimed that Slaven Bilic’s side are now safe from Premier League relegation.
“This is a hard one to call,” Merson told Sky Sports. “Watford are doing well and West Ham have some great results every now and then.
“They are both pretty inconsistent over the season. There isn’t a lot to split these two, so I have to go for a draw. For me, they are both safe from relegation.”
The Hammers will be hoping their improved form will help them act revenge on the Hornets, after Walter Mazzarri’s side triumphed 4-2 at the London Stadium in September.
Bilic will be boosted by the return of four players, after injury analyst Ben Dinnery revealed Andre Ayew, Arthur Masuaku, Aaron Cresswell and Alvaro Arbeloa are available.
However, the former Besiktas and Croatia manager revealed that star striker Andy Carroll is still a doubt for Saturday after failing to take part in training during their trip to Dubai.
A win for the Hammers could see them leapfrog Mark Hughes’ Stoke into ninth place in the Premier League table, if the Potters drop points against Tottenham on Sunday.
In other West Ham news, co-owner David Gold has given his take on the future of this attacker.
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