It’s that time again when Chris Sutton, not always the most positive about West Ham United, predicts what the score will be when they take to the field in the Premier League.
Indeed, West Ham face Brentford on Saturday in a huge game towards the bottom of the Premier League table.
This is a very difficult game for the Hammers, even if the wins have dried up for the Bees in recent weeks.
What changes are you making to this team? Just don’t think Wilson should start 😬
West Ham have a miserable record away at Brentford in the Premier League era, and Sutton believes that will continue to an extent.
Sutton tips West Ham to draw 1-1 with Brentford
The leading BBC Sport predicted a 1-1 draw in his column while writing: “What a superb and much-needed win for West Ham last week against their old boss David Moyes.
“The Hammers have been building momentum since the turn of the year but that result was down to a mixture of good football and good fortune – Matheus Fernandes nearly caught the ball in his own box but Everton somehow did not get given a penalty.
Where will West Ham v Brentford be WON and LOST?
Some key battles all over the pitch… ⚒️ 🆚 🐝
“Brentford were unlucky not to get something at Old Trafford on Monday but they are still right in the mix for the European places, although Igor Thiago needs to find his shooting boots again after a disappointing night against Manchester United.”
His reasoning is unclear, although it is perhaps a likely outcome. Brentford, after all, have drawn five of their last six games, while seven of their 17 home fixtures have ended in stalemates this season.
The form book certainly doesn’t lend itself to a statement away victory, which is a worry for West Ham.
Sutton’s prediction of a draw is unwelcome for West Ham
It would be difficult to frame a point away at Brentford as a complete disaster, given how good the Bees have been this season.
Still, this is the stage of the season where draws just won’t do. West Ham cannot rely on Tottenham – their closest rivals in the relegation battle at this stage – to continue being an absolute circus.
Remember the doom and gloom after the draw with Crystal Palace? That’s almost certain to happen again if Saturday’s game ends in a draw – at least until Spurs play on Sunday.
A defeat, meanwhile, is hardly worth thinking about.
While not to overlook a Brentford side boasting genuine quality, West Ham simply have to be leaving the Gtech with all three points.
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