Julen Lopetegui worst fears realised at West Ham United as Newcastle United update emerges
Julen Lopetegui will be sweating on his West Ham United future as Newcastle United prepare to welcome back a trio of stars ahead of their clash after the international break.
The Spaniard has been under mounting pressure at the London Stadium this year and is widely expected to be the next Premier League manager to be sacked.
And his chances of turning around his fortunes in East London appear to have been dealt a further blow.
As reported by the Shields Gazette [13 November], Newcastle are set to welcome Kieran Trippier, Anthony Gordon and Callum Wilson back to the side for the match at St James’ Park on 25 November.
Lopetegui was considered “on the brink” of losing his job at West Ham [Fabrizio Romano] before the 0-0 draw against Everton and in all likelihood will face similar make-or-break repercussions against Newcastle with his future far from secure.
Callum Wilson could come back to haunt West Ham United
Wilson has lost his place to Alexander Isak in Eddie Howe’s side but the forward could make his return against familiar opposition.
According to Transfermarkt, Wilson has scored 12 goals against West Ham in 14 outings – the most he has scored against any other Premier League side.
Given the Hammers have conceded 19 goals thus far – only five teams have shipped more – Lopetegui will have his work cut out for him if Wilson starts.
Unfortunately for the supporters, West Ham are there for the taking, after following up a “disgusting” display of defending in the 3-0 loss against Nottingham Forest by playing “pensioner” football against Everton.
Lopetegui is living on borrowed time in East London and the longer he remains at the helm, the more damage he will do – any respectable football fan can tell he has well and truly lost the dressing room and there is no conceivable way back for him at the club.
Therefore, the “hefty payout clause” preventing the Hammers from terminating his contract [Phil McNulty] will not feel so daunting if the side is dragged into a relegation battle this season, which they are well on track to do.
In other West Ham news, the Irons can’t wait for Mohammed Kudus to come back after the reveal of an unexpected statistic.
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