West Ham have been tipped to make a ‘big improvement’ for their Premier League meeting with Watford.
The Hammers are back in league action for the first time since January 22nd and will be looking to bounce back with a victory.
Despite eventually reaching the FA Cup fifth round on the weekend, the Irons were pedestrian for much of the contest at Kidderminster Harriers.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Mark Lawrenson tipped David Moyes’ side to return to winning ways at the London Stadium.
Watford got a point and a clean sheet against Burnley in Roy Hodgson’s first game in charge but, with only one victory in their first 19 games, it’s wins they need – and quickly. It’s going to be hard for them to get anything out of West Ham, though, especially if Michail Antonio is back. The Hammers got away with one against Kidderminster in the FA Cup on Saturday. but they still won despite playing badly. I’d expect a big improvement from them here.
Lawrenson went on to tip the East Londoners to prevail 2-0.
Prior to back to back defeats at the hands of Manchester United and Leeds United, the Irons had been on an upwards trajectory back up the table.
Prior to the match, Moyes confirmed Antonio is likely to feature but both Manuel Lanzini and Arthur Masuaku are unlikely to play a part.
Central defender Kurt Zouma will be also be absent due to disciplinary matters.
READ WEST HAM VERDICT
This has all the hallmarks of a must-win contest for the Hammers.
Albeit not necessarily do or die in terms of the race for the top four, not picking up maximum points here would feel like a major dent to the hopes.
Having come from the bench to rescue the day at Kidderminster, the return of Declan Rice to the starting lineup should see an immediate lift in performance.
