Paul Merson, in his prediction for SportsKeeda, expressed his opinion on the outcome of the Europa Conference League final between West Ham United and Fiorentina in Prague, relays the WHZ.
With West Ham having the opportunity to secure their first trophy in more than four decades, the match carries additional significance as it could potentially be the last game for Declan Rice and David Moyes at the club. Despite criticizing UEFA for the choice of venue, Merson ultimately supported West Ham and predicted that they would emerge victorious in the game.
“This is a tough game to call,” he said. “The venue is an absolute disgrace – it can take only twenty thousand people. You’re trying to make it a good competition, but where are you hosting the final? These are two clubs with huge fanbases. You’d think they make an effort, but then they go ahead and do this.
“I think whoever scores the first goal wins this game. Fiorentina beat Roma last week but they had a game over the weekend.
“If Michail Antonio gets going in this game, I don’t think Fiorentina can live with him. There aren’t many players with his pace and strength in the Serie A. If he gets going, he can be a handful, and we’ve seen glimpses of that this season. West Ham have got very good players in their ranks and need to perform. Declan Rice has been playing so well this season and could be the difference between the two teams.
“At the end of the day, it’s a trophy, and if West Ham win it, it’ll be the best season they’ve had in a very long time. They were fighting relegation not very long ago, and they’ll find themselves in football folklore if they win this game.
“This is a huge game, and both teams will be nervous. It comes down to whoever handles the nerves better. You’re up against players you’ve never played against, and it does take time to work them out. It only takes one lapse to fall behind. If both teams play at their best, I think West Ham have the upper hand, and I’m going to back them to win this game. Fiorentina 1-2 West Ham United.”