Chris Sutton West Jam United Julen Lopetegui
Chris Sutton has offered his verdict on West Ham United and Julen Lopetegui
Carla Devine
Fri 20 December 2024 15:40, UK
Chris Sutton admits he doesn’t see Julen Lopetegui guiding West Ham to success as he predicts them to lose against Brighton on Saturday.
West Ham’s inconsistent form during the season so far has led to questions being asked about Lopetegui with conversations regarding his future taking place behind the scenes.
The Spaniard remains in charge after a 1-1 draw with Bournemouth on Monday [16 December] but the Hammers will need to look more convincing before his future is secure.
With their opponents for the weekend winless in four games, this is a good opportunity for the Irons to show their ability.
However, writing his BBC Sport prediction, Sutton is not convinced by the regime at The London Stadium as he said: “Other than Jarred Bowen’s performances, I don’t feel like West Ham have given me any reason to back them under Julen Lopetegui, while Brighton are on their worst run of the season and winless in four.
MORE WEST HAM STORIES
“Of course, the Hammers are missing Michail Antonio, and I hope he recovers soon. In his absence, Niclas Fullkrug might finally get his chance up front. In the summer, I picked him as being one to watch – but West Ham fans have barely seen him at all so far.
“Brighton got walloped by Crystal Palace last weekend, and also showed their soft side in the previous game when they let a two-goal lead slip against Leicester, but I do feel they have the capacity to bounce back.
“Again, I see some goals in this one and I am going with Brighton to sneak it. Kaoru Mitomo is in my Fantasy Premier League team and I reckon he will get the winner. Prediction: 1-2”
Julen Lopetegui has to prove himself at West Ham
Despite having talented players in the squad, West Ham have struggled this season and as a result, there have been plenty of questions about whether the Spaniard is the right man for the job in East London.
After a draw on Monday, where they conceded a 90th-minute goal, there is plenty of work to be done by the manager and the team to show convincing change going forward with improved form and results.
However, it’s worth remembering that the Hammers sit closer to sixth in the table than they do to the relegation zone meaning Sutton may have judged the boss a bit too harshly.
West Ham United's London Stadium
London Stadium, the home of West Ham United
With Brighton in a poor run of form and a home game ahead, this weekend is a big opportunity for a point to be proven at the London Stadium as there are points to be taken from their opponents.
If the Irons can pick up a result against Brighton, it is essential they use it as momentum and turn a corner going forward.
In other West Ham news, an update has emerged regarding the future of Guido Rodriguez.
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.
Related Posts