Paul Merson and Chris Sutton make Leeds United vs West Ham predictions as 'ripped to shreds' claim made

West Ham are back in action tonight, on Friday night, when they head to Elland Road to face Leeds United in the Premier League. Just four points separate these two things currently, and it is of course Leeds who have had the better of the two teams.

West Ham have looked a long way off the standard so far this seasin, but Nuno Espirito Santo is attempting to change their current course, albeit he is yet to win in his first three games. As the Iron prepare to face Leeds, we have rounded up the latest predictions from BBC Sport’s Chris Sutton and SportsKeeda’s Paul Merson.

Chris Sutton

“We know why Nuno Espirito Santo was brought in - to keep West Ham up - but it looks like it is going to be difficult for him. He is still waiting for his first win after three games as Hammers manager, and his side were quite lucky to only lose 2-0 against Brentford on Monday.

“Whenever I watch a team play as poorly as West Ham did then, I wonder how they will ever win a game. Leeds are not on a great run either, but I still feel like they've been competitive when I've seen them. Most people would probably go for a draw here - that's what I'm expecting from the readers anyway - but I actually think Leeds might edge this one.

“I have a feeling West Ham will score, because Jarrod Bowen is always dangerous, but I don't fancy them to keep a clean sheet even though sorting out their defence is probably Nuno's priority. Prediction: 2-1.”

Paul Merson

“I watched West Ham against Brentford on Monday and I must admit, I haven't seen anything as bad as that for a long time! West Ham got ripped to shreds and it wasn't even like they were playing Liverpool or Manchester City, it was Brentford, who were only three points ahead of them before that game. They looked petrified and nervous, it's really worrying signs if you're a West Ham fan.

“Leeds have done a decent job so far, but they will be extremely disappointed about losing to Burnley last weekend. That is a game they know they should have won. The battle to avoid relegation will be really tight this season, with Leeds and West Ham expected to be involved throughout.

“I don't think West Ham can afford to lose this game and Leeds can't afford to not win! If I said this at the start of the season, you'd think I'm mad because what does this even mean, right? An established Premier League team like West Ham and newly-promoted Leeds fighting each other for survival after just eight games? No way!

“But that is the reality now and it shows how unpredictable things are in the Premier League. If West Ham lose this game, I don't know what can save them. I've got to pick a winner now? Wow, this is hard! Only because of what I saw on Monday with West Ham, I'm going with Leeds here. In footballing terms, that was a really disturbing West Ham performance and I know they can't do any worse than that this weekend. I'm still backing Leeds though. Prediction: Leeds United 2-0 West Ham United.”

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