Football Today
·16 de dezembro de 2024
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·16 de dezembro de 2024
Julen Lopetegui bought himself some time after leading West Ham United to a 2-1 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers last week.
However, the Spaniard’s position at the London Stadium is far from secure, as he has failed to put together a consistent run of good results this season.
West Ham’s next few matches will likely be crucial for Lopetegui’s future in East London.
The former Real Madrid boss must secure good results in these games to convince the club’s hierarchy that he is the right man to take them to the next level.
The Hammers will return to Premier League action on Monday night, as they take on Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.
BBC football pundit Chris Sutton is highly impressed with West Ham’s captain Jarrod Bowen, saying the 27-year-old is ‘looking sharp’ for his team.
However, the former Celtic star believes the Irons will come away empty handed from the away encounter, with Bournemouth on a three-game winning run.
Writing in his column for BBC Sport, Sutton said: “West Ham’s win over Wolves last time was a step in the right direction under Julen Lopetegui, but he needs to maintain that improvement over a longer period otherwise he is always going to be under pressure.
“Jarrod Bowen is looking sharp for the Hammers and I think they will make a game of this, but I can only see one winner here and it is Bournemouth.
“What a team the Cherries have been this season. They always create a lot of chances and I am expecting them to make it four wins in a row”.
Lopetegui will likely be hesitant to tinker too much with the team that won against Wolves last week.
However, he is forced to make a change in defence as Emerson Palmieri is suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season.
Aaron Cresswell is yet to make a Premier League start this campaign, but the 35-year-old will likely be part of the starting XI in Monday’s match.
The rest of the team should keep their first-team berths against Bournemouth.