Paul Merson makes wildly contradictory claim about West Ham ahead of Nottingham Forest

Before the season began, West Ham were being backed to challenge for Europe.

Meanwhile many felt Nottingham Forest might be in a battle for survival.

But at the quarter-way stage of the season, Nottingham Forest are just two points off third-placed Arsenal and have lost only one game.

Down in east London, though, the 13th placed Hammers have struggled after a big summer overhaul.

West Ham got a much-needed win over Man United last time out.

Nobody was under any illusions it came with a large slice of luck.

West Ham’s second half display was so good that it deserved to be rewarded.

Back-to-back wins have always been massive in the Premier League.

Sam Allardyce used to hang his hat on how many times his sides could string two wins together to make inroads up the table.

That is perfectly illustrated by the fact if West Ham beat Forest, they will go just two points behind them.

So there’s plenty to play for at the City Ground, even at this early stage.

West Ham have wanted to see more from their team under Julen Lopetegui.

Merson makes wildly contradictory West Ham claim

There was a big reaction from the Hammers crowd during the second half against Man United.

Supporters responded to the much more aggressive and determined display they witnessed from their side.

Many feel and hope West Ham turned a corner under Lopetegui in that second half against Man United.

Paul Merson is one of them.

Or is he?

The pundit can’t seem to quite make his mind up you see.

Because Merson has made a wildly contradictory claim about West Ham ahead of the Nottingham Forest clash.

Merson states that West Ham ‘clicked’ against Man United and ‘deserved’ the win in the end.

He also warned Forest West Ham are a side you have to play at the right time.

Yet he then says Lopetegui’s side are not firing on all cylinders and backs Forest to beat them.

“Nottingham Forest are flying at the moment, but they’re a much better team away from home,” Merson told Sportskeeda.

Make your mind up Merson as Hammers have pundit conflicted

“You’ve got to play West Ham at the right time if you need to win. They clicked the other day against Manchester United. You could say they were lucky, but they deserved to win in the end.

“Forest win this game, they could move a lot closer to safety. They’re already on 16 points and with how things have gone this season, 30 points might just be enough for teams to ensure they stay in the division.

“I have a feeling West Ham are still not firing on all cylinders at the moment and that’s why I’m backing Forest to win this game. 2-1.”

Someone make it make sense.

Merson is tying himself in knots here. It feels like he wants to back West Ham and has been impressed by what he saw in that second half.

But perhaps some of the shocking defensive displays he’s witnessed from Lopetegui’s side have made him doubt himself.

West Ham do need to find a level of consistency to gain the respect of pundits and journalists.

Lopetegui will be hoping back-to-back wins could be the start of that this weekend.

Sources have indicated ‘ruthless’ Lopetegui is making three major changes for Forest.

The Irons will definitely be without suspended star Mohammed Kudus at the City Ground.

Meanwhile West Ham believe Forest will be without four of their best players.

What the history books say about West Ham vs Forest

History says this fixture is nip and tuck.

The Hammers hold the edge with 48 wins to Forest’s 46 with 26 draws.

Since Forest’s return to the top flight, there have been two wins each.

Home advantage has been key with Nottingham Forest beating West Ham 1-0 and 2-0 at the City Ground. The latter coming back in February this year.

The Hammers have beaten Forest 3-2 and 4-0 on their own patch.

The men in the dugout share a fair bit in common.

Both Nuno Espirito Santo and Julen Lopetegui were goalkeepers.

They have also each managed both Wolves and Porto.

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