Wolves’ visit to [London Stadium](https://www.claretandhugh.info/houdini-escape-lopetegui-clings-to-west-ham-job-as-chaos-reigns/) on Monday is a crucial fixture for both under-fire coaches. Gary O’Neil finds his Midland’s side deep in relegation territory whilst [Julen Lopetegui’s](https://www.claretandhugh.info/lopetegui-crisis-groundhog-day-at-west-ham/) stated aim of European football might as well be a mission to Mars just now.
The irony of one long-lamented lame duck Hammer coming back from months on the sidelines to save his head coach is not lost on anyone. Niclas Fullkrug had apparently ‘failed to settle’ in London and spent three months on the sick list with an achilles injury.
However in the smallest cameo appearance, deep into ‘losing cause’ time against Leicester last week it was latecomer Fullkrug who found himself perfectly placed to head in from one yard away on an evening where over thirty other Hammers’ attempts had come to nothing.
Fullkrug could find himself exerting more influence on his head coaches’ future by repeating the process against Wolves. Something about his demeanour is assuring – he has the confidence of a ‘late bloomer’ success story that, given time on the pitch, he can score.
Saving Lopetegui’s job might not endear him to every Hammers fan but might just be his role on Monday night.