Chris Sutton has shared his prediction for the upcoming match between West Ham and Ipswich Town.
West Ham will face Ipswich this weekend in a potentially pivotal game for Julen Lopetegui. Just a few months into his position, Lopetegui is under pressure in east London due to a lackluster start to the season. The team has managed only one win so far and has disappointed despite a promising transfer window.
Fortunately for the Hammers, they are up against Ipswich Town, who have yet to claim a victory since their return to the Premier League. Nonetheless, Ipswich is on a mini unbeaten streak, having drawn their last four matches.
In his column for the BBC, Sutton previewed the game and predicted a win for West Ham.
Sutton shared his views on the match: “This is hard. I don’t like to give credit to Ipswich if I can help it, but they have really impressed me. At this moment in time, they are a better structured team than West Ham. They showed it with the way they finished their draw with Aston Villa last week, and the only downside from the way they have started the season is the fact they don’t have a win yet.”
He continued, “With the quality the Hammers have got, eventually it has to click for them, but it has not happened yet. As much as I hate to predict an Ipswich defeat, I am going to stick my neck out and say the Hammers will get their act together this time. Basically, I am backing them to produce a performance that they have not managed all season under Julen Lopetegui.”
Sutton stressed the importance of a result, noting, “There was so much made of him taking over from David Moyes, that he really needs a result – West Ham fans are not always the most patient bunch, and they are expecting more than they have seen so far.”
Ipswich certainly has the capability to win, but they will need to elevate their performance against West Ham. They have already taken points from stronger teams, such as Aston Villa and Fulham, who are currently in the top six. Liam Delap is in fantastic form, and if West Ham does not improve, they could find themselves in a difficult situation, which may negatively impact Lopetegui’s position.
