Former Arsenal striker Paul Merson believes that whichever manager loses between West Ham United and Wolves on Monday evening will be under ‘severe pressure’ from supporters. The two clubs have struggled for consistent form this season and meet at the London Stadium with both Julen Lopetegui and Gary O’Neil under intense scrutiny.
Speaking ahead of the game, Merson said on his Sportskeeda predictions column: “This is a massive game for both managers. Gary O’Neil and Julen Lopetegui are under immense pressure. Whoever loses this game, will be under severe pressure from the fans. The sack is inevitable if you don’t have the fans on your side.”
West Ham are 14th in the Premier League after picking up 15 points from 14 games. The Hammers picked up a hard-fought 2-0 win at Newcastle United two weeks ago but followed that up with a 5-2 loss against Arsenal and 3-1 defeat to Leicester City. Wolves are worse off with nine points from their 14 fixtures. Some bookmakers have already offered odds on who the next manager will be at the London Stadium with Lopetegui running out of time to save his job.
Odds - 33/1
1. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Odds - 33/1 | Getty Images
Odds - 33/1
2. Rafa Benitez
Odds - 33/1 | Getty Images
Odds - 33/1
3. Scott Parker
Odds - 33/1 | Getty Images
Odds - 33/1
4. Brendan Rodgers
Odds - 33/1 | Getty Images