West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui and Wolves boss Gary O’Neil are under significant pressure ahead of Monday night’s clash.
West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui and Wolves boss Gary O’Neil are under significant pressure ahead of Monday night’s clash.
The Premier League match at London Stadium features two struggling sides—14th-placed West Ham and 19th-placed Wolves. With both managers reportedly on the brink, tonight’s loser could face dire consequences.
Dubbed “El Sackico” on social media, this game has a feeling of do-or-die. Both Lopetegui and O’Neil are the bookmakers’ favorites to be the next Premier League managers sacked. Last week, their respective fans chanted “you’ll be sacked in the morning” during West Ham’s loss to Leicester and Wolves’ thrashing by Everton.
Could tonight mark the end of Lopetegui’s tenure at West Ham? The Spanish manager, who left Wolves last season after frustrations over transfer activity, joined the Hammers in the summer as David Moyes’ replacement. Moyes had led West Ham to three consecutive European campaigns and a Europa Conference League title, but criticism of his defensive playing style prompted a change.
Lopetegui, a former Real Madrid and Spain coach, was tasked with improving West Ham’s attacking football. However, with just four league wins and a 14th-place standing, the pressure is mounting. Following an inspiring victory over Newcastle, West Ham suffered heavy defeats to Arsenal (2-5) and Leicester (1-3). Despite ranking ninth in shots, their conversion rate of 8.74% has left them struggling offensively.
To make matters worse, the team is now without Michail Antonio after a car accident that resulted in a broken leg. Jean-Clair Todibo and Danny Ings are also doubtful for the game.
On the other side, Wolves’ Gary O’Neil faces his own crisis. Two own goals from Craig Dawson contributed to a humiliating 0-4 defeat to Everton last week. Wolves, who were unbeaten in their last four games before this, have now conceded eight goals in their last two losses. They remain second from bottom, with just two wins all season.
Wolves’ injury list includes Sasa Kalajdzic, Yerson Mosquera, and Boubacar Traore, while Pablo Sarabia remains a doubt.
With tension high, both managers know the stakes. West Ham will need a strong start, as their fans are unlikely to hide their discontent if things go south. Wolves, meanwhile, have struggled defensively, allowing at least two goals in nine of their last ten games.
Given the trends—West Ham conceding at least two goals in 14 of their last 17 league matches, and nine of Wolves’ last ten games featuring three or more goals—the match promises to deliver excitement.
Betting Tip: Over 2.5 goals. Odds 1,65 @ Betsson (4 units)