Paul Merson believes West Ham United should pick up a win against Crystal Palace after an impressive run of form of late.
The Hammers narrowly lost 2-1 against Liverpool in midweek but three wins and two draws in the six games prior boosted their chances of avoiding relegation from the Premier League.
David Moyes’ side are currently five points ahead of the bottom three sitting 15th in the table heading into Saturday’s clash against Crystal Palace, who have managed to distance themselves from the relegation battle since Roy Hodgson took charge.
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The Eagles lost 2-0 against Wolverhampton Wanderers in midweek, but three consecutive victories and a goalless draw against Everton has put Palace eight points clear of the drop zone with five games remaining.
However, Merson believes Palace will draw a blank for a third game in a row on Saturday as he predicts West Ham to win 2-0 at Selhurst Park.
“West Ham have completely and utterly picked up since their 5-1 defeat against Newcastle United. They've done well ever since, going unbeaten in five of their last six games," Merson told Sportskeeda.
“Meanwhile, Crystal Palace never looked like scoring against Everton or Wolverhampton Wanderers in their last two matches. I don't see them breaking down David Moyes' side either.
“The Hammers have a tricky set of games coming up and could really make a push for the Europa Conference League title. They'll look to win here and should be able to get all three points.”
Meanwhile, fellow pundits Chris Sutton and Mark Lawrenson expect both sides to play out a 1-1 draw at Selhurst Park. Both reflected on West Ham's midweek defeat against Liverpool, a result which left David Moyes furious after his side were denied a late penalty.
Sutton and Lawrenson agree that Thiago's handball inside the box should have resulted in a penalty for the Hammers. "I can understand why West Ham's David Moyes was so upset after his side lost to Liverpool on Wednesday because they should have had that late penalty for Thiago's handball," Sutton told BBC Sport.
"The Hammers have been much improved in recent weeks but I think they still need another win to get to safety and it is asking a lot for them to get it at Selhurst Park.
"Crystal Palace's unbeaten run under Roy Hodgson ended at Molineux on Tuesday after three wins and a draw but it wasn't as if they played badly. I'd be surprised if they lost again here, especially because I don't think West Ham will keep a clean sheet."
Lawrenson told Paddy Power: "West Ham were unlucky not to get a penalty against Liverpool on Wednesday. Crystal Palace lost to Wolves. I’m going to go for a draw. Wolves are slowly climbing away from the drop zone and West Ham have had a decent run."
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