Exclusive – Parker: ‘It’s going to be a difficult season’

Scott Parker admits West Ham are facing another battle for Premier League survival this season.

The Hammers narrowly avoided the drop last term and two defeats in their first two league games of this campaign have set the alarm bells ringing in east London.

 And midfield marvel Parker is expecting a long, hard season.

West Ham picked up their first win of the campaign with an unconvincing Carling Cup victory over Oxford in midweek but, with Manchester United and Chelsea to come in their next two Premier League games, life is not set to get any easier.

Parker told talkSPORT: "We've not had the best of starts and there's no hiding the fact this is going to be a difficult season. But that's because of the quality of teams in this league.

"Every game's a battle and it's going to be hard. Manchester United and Chelsea are not easy tasks, but we'll give it a go.

"Man United is one of those places you love to go and play, but sometimes you dread it. We know it will be difficult, but we've got to go there, be organised and try to take our chances when we can."

Don't forget you can listen to Manchester United v West Ham live and exclusive only on talkSPORT from 5pm this Saturday