This weekend, West Ham find themselves in the unusual position of being able to move up the Premier League table but not drop down.
Julen Lopetegui’s “El Sackio” victory over Gary O’Neil’s Wolves not only secured his job for now but also created a buffer zone.
The Hammers are just one point behind Manchester United, who face Manchester City in the Merseyside derby. Newcastle and Tottenham are also within reach, but both have easier fixtures – and surely even Spurs can’t lose to Southampton… can they?
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With no team below West Ham able to catch us it should be a relatively relaxing weekend. However, Lopetegui has the chance to completely transform the mood at the club if he can secure a win against high-flying Bournemouth.
Loppy’s Irons have been operating just above survival mode this season, collecting points in must-win games. Back-to-back victories would be transformative – not just for Lopetegui’s job prospects, but for the trajectory of the entire season.
At the moment, it feels like the team is killing time until the campaign’s end. A win against Bournemouth, however, could immediately shift everyone’s focus upwards.
It won’t be easy and I’m not entirely convinced we’re capable of beating the Cherries. But if we do, it would gibe Hammers fans something we’ve not had in a little while . . . hope.