Just in: Paul Merson predicts the outcome of West Ham United vs. Aston Villa in Crysencio Summerville decision.
West Ham United’s Premier League season will begin with a draw against Aston Villa, according to Paul Merson.
The Sky Sports pundit predicts that the Julen Lopetegui era at the London Stadium will begin with a 1-1 draw against Unai Emery’s Villans on Saturday (17 August).
Both sides have strengthened their squads in the summer window, but Merson is skeptical that all of the Hammers’ newcomers will be able to work together on the pitch, despite being a fan of Crysencio Summerville.
He wrote for Sportskeeda on August 15th, “West Ham have bought well this summer and will be difficult to defeat.” Summerville was ripping it up in the Championship.
“We’ll have to wait and see how he performs against better full-backs this season.”If City, Arsenal, or Liverpool steal four of Aston Villa’s six points, it’s a bonus. These are points you’ve gained over your competition. They are a difficult club to beat, but they play in the Champions League.
“This will be a long season for them, and they are not prepared for it. Some of their players have never played in Europe. However, Aston Villa has a very competent manager, which will help.
“This is a challenging game for both teams. West Ham have made good acquisitions, but their players must work well together. A draw will be a positive outcome for both teams this weekend.”
West Ham and Aston Villa to draw Premier League match at London Stadium.
Given the business done at the London Stadium, Hammers fans will want to see their club get off to a winning start, but as Merson points out, the results of the window may not be immediately apparent.
Lopetegui has rebuilt the playing team from top to bottom this summer, and it would be unrealistic to expect his eight new arrivals to immediately gel and hit the ground running in East London.
Furthermore, Villa have improved on their impressive top-four position last season. Emery’s team will be difficult to beat, and they will exploit any flaws in the Irons’ roster.
If Merson’s forecast is correct and the Hammers only get a point on opening day, there may be an immediate sense of disappointment among the fans. But, despite the frustration, that would be a decent beginning.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers signed a seven-figure sum with Manchester.
City as one guy closes on a move to the Etihad.
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