West Ham vs Ipswich Town Preview: Must-win game for Lopetegui

It’s been a torrid start to life at West Ham United for Julen Lopetegui, but there’s still time for the Spaniard to turn things around.

However, he must tread carefully, as any mistake could be his last in charge of the underperforming Hammers.

Lopetegui will have a prime opportunity to post only his second Premier League win at the helm when newcomers Ipswich Town touch down at the London Stadium next Saturday.

Fans are eager to watch live football and hope for a positive shift in the team’s fortunes after seeing just one victory in the opening six rounds (D2, L3).

West Ham hauled back a half-time deficit to hold cross-capital rivals Brentford to a 1-1 draw last weekend despite another lacklustre performance in the front third.

Marquee playmaker Lucas Paqueta was among the least impressive stars at the Gtech Community Stadium, rightfully earning criticism from The Standard journalist Dom Smith.

Perhaps distracted by well-documented off-field issues, the Brazilian forward has been a mere shadow of a player heavily linked with a move to Manchester City in the summer of 2023 this term.

No more excuses

While Lopetegui could’ve attributed his early struggles to his adaptation period, he can no longer afford to seek excuses for West Ham’s below-par form.

Saturday’s home encounter against Ipswich is a textbook definition of a must-win game for the former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss if he’s to consolidate his place in the dugout.

West Ham’s only league win this season came at Selhurst Park in round two as they overcame Crystal Palace 2-0, courtesy of two unanswered second-half goals.

Since then, they’ve alternated between drawing and losing in their last four Premier League matches, not to mention a 5-1 rout at the hands of Liverpool in the League Cup last week.

Underestimating Ipswich would be suicidal

Ipswich finished the last round as one of only five Premier League teams yet to find a win this season.

But their disheartening results don’t tell the whole story.

Kieran McKenna’s side held Aston Villa to a 2-2 draw on Sunday, adding to three previous stalemates against Brighton & Hove Albion, Fulham and Southampton.

Ipswich’s only league defeats came against Liverpool and Manchester City, suggesting West Ham would be naive to take this contest lightly.