Paul Merson believes West Ham United can still have a say in the relegation battle up against Tottenham.
The Hammers are sitting within the drop zone right now, but have shown flashes that could help them to survive in the Premier League.
Despite defeat last time out to Aston Villa, the draw against Manchester City and the win away to Fulham were certainly positive.
Spurs are now just one point ahead of Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, and just seven games remain until the end of the campaign.
West Ham and Tottenham are set to battle against each other in the relegation battle, with Merson having his say on proceedings.
MORE WEST HAM STORIES
🏟️ WEST HAM MATCH DAY CENTRE 🏟️
Line-ups, live ratings, insider verdicts and tactical analysis. Follow every beat from the London Stadium.
Live 24/7 updates from your definitive West Ham United source
West Ham can pile massive pressure on Tottenham
The opening half of the season under Graham Potter was terrible in E20, but things have probably been worse across the capital in North London.
Spurs have a shocking record this season and have shown no signs of improving anytime soon, even after the sacking of Igor Tudor.
Roberto De Zerbi has now come in and will face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light in his first encounter with the Lilywhites.
That certainly won’t be easy against a side coming off the back of a massive away win in the Tyne-Wear derby against Newcastle United.
Things could be made even more difficult for Tottenham as ex-Arsenal man Merson believes West Ham can pile pressure on their relegation rivals with a win against Wolves.
Speaking via Sky Sports News, he said: “This lad is a top, top manager that a lot of clubs would have, they would have him. But they’ve had good managers, they’ve had very good managers and look where they are, 17th in the league.
“When they play Sunderland, the worst thing that could ever happen to them is if West Ham beat Wolves [two days before] because when they drop into that bottom three, it’s a different game, a very different game then, and then the pressure is severely, severely on them.”
West Ham will first play Leeds United in the FA Cup and will hope they can seal victory and the inspiration to go on and beat Wolves at the London Stadium.
Should West Ham worry about Roberto De Zerbi?
Remaining in the Premier League is massive for both West Ham and Tottenham, so any small advantages will be massive.
Things certainly weren’t working out under Tudor, so the Lilywhites had to blink and make a managerial change before it was too late.
De Zerbi has the Premier League experience, but is certainly most well known for being a hot head and isn’t afraid to simply quit when things go against him.
That is what the Hammers need to play into, and by securing a win against Wolves, they can rile him up before he’s even started in North London.
The Italian will be a worry if he gets Spurs ticking, but with their recent results and performances, I’m not sure how likely that is.