Pundit Paul Merson has spoken about what he expects from West Ham this season and paid the club the ultimate compliment.
The new Premier League season starts today and experts share their expectations for West Ham.
West Ham has a new head coach, new staff and lots of new players.
Julen Lopetegui and Technical Director Tim Steidten were supported by the owners with eight high-profile new signings.
The Irons have signed an exciting mix of exciting young stars and experienced players who are ready to get going.
Brazilian teen star Luis Guilherme and young Flying Dutchman Crysencio Summerville have strengthened the Irons’ attack for the coming years.
Equally important, the Hammers were also able to retain players such as Mohammed Kudus, Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta.
The strong German striker Niclas Füllkrug was signed, as was midfielder Guido Rodriguez – world champion and two-time Copa America winner with Argentina.
West Ham’s defense has also been massively strengthened.
Great expectations for the Hammers in their new look
Central defenders Max Kilman and Jean-Clair Todibo are joined at the London Stadium by new right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
West Ham may not be done yet, however, as further signings are possible if Ballast leaves the team in what many are calling the club’s best transfer window.
Given the many changes, West Ham will undoubtedly still be in the development phase in the early stages of the season.
Therefore, it is a difficult task to face Aston Villa in the opening game of the Champions League.
West Ham’s transfer window is being described as the best ever.
And it raises hopes among fans – and expectations among the press – that the East Londoners can qualify for Europe again.
West Ham does not hide the fact that this is their stated goal.
In fact, Lopetegui’s two-year contract contains a clause that automatically activates a third year should he lead West Ham to any European qualification.
Outspoken pundit Paul Merson was a huge fan of former Hammers boss David Moyes.
Merson pays West Ham the ultimate compliment
He has kept an eye on the club and outlined his forecast after the summer business.
And Merson paid West Ham the ultimate compliment, even though he had written off their hopes.
Merson says he doesn’t believe the Hammers will be a “surprise move” this season.
But only because West Ham qualifying for Europe would simply not be a surprise.
“There has been a lot of talk about West Ham and their summer business but I don’t think the Hammers will be a surprise this season,” Merson told Sky Sports.
“I’m not really surprised that they’re doing so well, they’ve been in Europe a lot in recent years and even won the Europa Conference League a few seasons ago.
“They have bought well and made some good signings, but it will still be difficult for them to break into the top four.”
“West Ham will likely be successful under Lopetegui”
Merson’s Sky Sports colleague and analysis expert Lewis Jones believes West Ham will flourish under Lopetegui.
And he hopes the Hammers get off to a good start with a 2-1 win over Villa.
“I would not be surprised to see West Ham flourish under Julen Lopetegui. His emphasis on possession football and playing with a higher back line that has made Sevilla an exciting prospect should go down well at the London Stadium after the tragic drama that was played out at times under David Moyes,” Jones said in his column “Jones Knows”.
Meanwhile, in his interview with The Overlap, Ian Wright has recommended West Ham for European qualification.
Jamie O’Hara and Gabby Agbonlahor agree with Wright.
The talkSPORT duo say West Ham have become a big problem for the Premier League.
Related topics
