Ipswich Town would not traditionally represent a massive game for West Ham in the Premier League but it certainly is this weekend.
If Julen Lopetegui thinks he’s under pressure now then West Ham dare not fail to beat Ipswich at the London Stadium on Saturday.
The game against the newly-promoted Tractor Boys was marked down as a banker by the Hammers amid a difficult opening sequence of fixtures.
Just one league win so far for West Ham’s new head coach means the heat is on.
The problem is Ipswich have been pretty impressive so far this season.
And the Hammers have not.
Lopetegui’s West Ham are propping up some worrying statistical tables at the moment.
Most shots surrendered than any team since Sheffield United last season.
Fewest big chances created in the Premier League.
West Ham have only held a lead for 29 minutes all season long – and that includes the cup victory over Bournemouth.
What the 57-year-old needs right now is a result. And preferably a convincing one to light a fire under his tenure.
The media and pundits have been queuing up to say I told you to West Ham over their decision to replace David Moyes with the Spaniard.
But now Paul Merson and Alan Shearer have made a shock West Ham claim and even Chris Sutton agrees.
Merson believes the Ipswich game represents a great chance for West Ham to get off the mark at home.
Lopetegui’s side have also set an unwelcome new club record by becoming the first West Ham team to lose their opening three leagues games of a season.
The media have been piling on the pressure ahead of the Ipswich game.
Many fans have already voiced doubts Lopetegui is the right man for the job. They are unimpressed by what they’ve seen so far after a busy summer window hailed the club’s ‘best ever’.
The pundit went as far to say he’d be shocked if West Ham didn’t win.
Merson says Lopetegui will find himself under intense pressure if West Ham don’t get the win. But he believes the Hammers will do it for their new boss – despite claims of unrest in the camp.
Merson: ‘I have a feeling West Ham will come alive’
“This is a big chance for West Ham to get the three points they desperately need…” Merson told Sportskeeda while predicting a 3-1 home win.
“I would be shocked if West Ham lose this game if I’m being honest. I have a feeling they’ll come alive in this fixture and get that much-needed win. If you’re Ipswich, this is the best time to play West Ham.
“However, the gulf in class is still quite evident and that could swing the tie in the Hammers’ favour. If West Ham fail to win this game, Julen Lopetegui will come under so much pressure.
“International breaks are known for club owners panicking and several managers often getting sacked, so it definitely is a tricky clash. Failure to beat this newly-promoted Ipswich could also result in the fans turning their back on the manager. I’m quite sure they won’t be happy with the start they’ve had this season.”
Remarkably, Shearer – a big Moyes advocate – agrees with Merson.
The Premier League’s record goalscorer thinks this will be lift off for the Lopetegui era.
West Ham United’s Spanish manager Julen Lopetegui reacts during the English League Cup third round football match between Liverpool and West Ham Un…
Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
Shearer: ‘West Ham must win for Lopetegui and they will’
“Ipswich looked decent against Aston Villa, especially with the two good goals from Liam Delap, who looks a talent,” Shearer told The Metro.
“I’m sure they’ll cause West Ham problems, who are under huge pressure once again; we have another situation where the manager has come in and spent a few quid but hasn’t had the desired effect.
“I’d think West Ham must win this game for Lopetegui, so I’ll back them to win it.”
Another who rarely has anything positive to say about West Ham is Sutton.
He completed a clean sweep of predictions as he backed a 2-0 win.
But he states that Ipswich are a better structured team than the Hammers. Although he feels West Ham’s quality will finally start to shine through.
Sutton: ‘Hammers will get their act together’
“At this moment in time, they (Ipswich) are a better structured team than West Ham…” Sutton said on BBC Sport.
“With the quality the Hammers have got, eventually it has to click for them, but it has not happened yet.
“As much as I hate to predict an Ipswich defeat (Sutton said sarcastically given his legend status at rivals Norwich), I am going to stick my neck out and say the Hammers will get their act together this time.
“Basically, I am backing them to produce a performance that they have not managed all season under Julen Lopetegui. They have to really. There was so much made of him taking over from David Moyes, that he really needs a result – West Ham fans are not always the most patient bunch, and they are expecting more than they have seen so far.”
Isn’t it nice to hear some semblance of positivity from pundits.
West Ham fan will be hoping Lopetegui and his players can back it up now.