Paul Merson predicts bold four-goal thriller between West Ham and Manchester United

The upcoming Premier League match between West Ham and Manchester United is crucial for both teams, and pundit Paul Merson anticipates a competitive showdown.

The appointment of referee David Coote—who has a history with West Ham—could be seen as an unfavorable choice for the Hammers.

Coach Julen Lopetegui, meanwhile, is reportedly considering significant lineup changes for the game at London Stadium.

There’s talk that Lopetegui might bench Lucas Paqueta and Alphonse Areola, while Edson Alvarez may return to the squad.

Lopetegui’s decisions could make a difference, and bringing Crysencio Summerville into the starting lineup might be essential, especially since Mohammed Kudus is unavailable due to suspension.

Given the season’s underwhelming performances, adjustments are certainly necessary.

West Ham’s season has been challenging so far, with the team struggling to meet expectations.

Accumulating just eight points from eight games is below what they aimed for, despite the tough early fixtures.

Sunday’s game presents a crucial opportunity for West Ham to secure a victory, as they can hardly afford anything less at this stage.

Paul Merson shared his outlook for the match in his Sportskeeda column, where he’s known for bold predictions.

Merson acknowledges the significance of this fixture for West Ham, noting that Manchester United’s status as a major club means their visit will be a special occasion.

According to Merson, both teams are likely to pose problems for each other.

Reflecting on West Ham’s season, Merson pointed out that the team has yet to find its rhythm but suggested that Sunday’s game could be a turning point.

He also mentioned the constant pressure on Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, explaining that a loss would be especially damaging given West Ham’s current position in the league table.

Despite this, Merson doesn’t expect Ten Hag’s job to be in immediate danger, as United have committed to a long-term plan with him. Still, he believes the outcome will be a draw, predicting a 2-2 result.

A high-scoring game like that would undoubtedly make for exciting viewing, but given the stakes for both managers, there may be a cautious approach, particularly at London Stadium.

A tight 1-0 victory for either side or a low-scoring draw seems more plausible.

Personally, I’m leaning toward a narrow West Ham win, especially as Manchester United had a midweek trip to Turkey, which could leave them slightly fatigued for the Premier League clash.

While Merson predicts a thrilling draw, a more restrained outcome might be on the cards, with the Hammers potentially having the edge.