BBC Sport pundit Mark Lawrenson has been drooling over Mark Arnautovic and hopes that the West Ham forward is fit enough to face Chelsea this weekend.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side will welcome Chelsea to the London Stadium on Sunday after winning the first game of the season against Everton last week, in which the Austria international scored and supplied an assist.
However he suffered an injury at Goodison Park and could miss this weekend’s clash against Maurizio Sarri’s side, which Lawrenson has predicted that the Hammers will win 2-1.
“West Ham had a super win last weekend against Everton and they will be hoping Marko Arnautovic recovers from the knee injury he sustained in that game, because he was just terrific,” he said on the BBC Sport website.
“The Hammers have lost both their games at London Stadium so far this season, but I have a feeling they will turn up for this one.
“That’s not based on form, because Chelsea have got five league wins out of five, or the fact West Ham are at home, because they have been struggling there.
“I might be going out on a limb in backing the Hammers, but I just think something will click for them this time.”
OPINION
Arnautovic has been West Ham’s best player by miles so far this season and it would be a massive blow to the club’s chances of a result against Chelsea if he is not able to play. In his five Premier League appearances this term, the former Stoke and Inter Milan attacker has scored three goals and created one assist, which is very good going for someone playing in a side with four losses and one win. West Ham really need to hope that Arnautovic remains available for as many games as possible this season. Pellegrini could probably do with better back-up options up front if he does get a long-term injury or a suspension, because he is definitely susceptible to picking those up over the coming months. Can the Hammers beat Chelsea this weekend? With Arny, they may well have a chance of causing a bit of a shock at the London Stadium.