Carlton Cole stunned live on talkSPORT over Cundy prediction on West Ham United

Carlton Cole was left surprised by a West Ham United prediction made by Jason Cundy live on talkSPORT.

The Irons ended 2024 with a 5-0 thrashing at home to Liverpool, raising fresh doubts over the future of manager Julen Lopetegui.

West Ham find themselves 13th in the Premier League, eight points above Ipswich Town in the final relegation spot ahead of facing Manchester City on Saturday (4 January) in what is a pivotal game for Lopetegui.

Despite being relatively safe midway through the campaign, Cundy said on the radio station's Drive show [31 December, 4:10pm] that "West Ham could go down" this season.

In response to that, co-host and former Hammer Cole replied simply with: "What?"

West Ham United in relegation danger?

In a word: No. But ultimately, even being in that conversation tells you all you need to know about how this season has panned out thus far.

Lopetegui was brought in to help build on what David Moyes left behind, which means challenging for a European spot at the absolute least.

That could still happen, of course, but there is a nine-point gap on sixth place, which is currently occupied by Manchester City.

The truth is that the Irons are a million miles off the top six right now, with the problems laid bare in the defeat to Liverpool in which nobody covered themselves in glory.

Should the Hammers lose to Man City, as many expect to happen, and Ipswich register a second successive victory, the gap on the bottom three will stand at five points.

That will be far too close for comfort, and it may well be that David Sullivan and Co. finally take the decision to part ways with Lopetegui.

In other West Ham news, a player announcement could spell the beginning of the end for Lopetegui.

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.